Opioid Use Disorder – How Veterans Can Get Help

Substance Use

Opioid Use Disorder

What is opioid use disorder?

Opioid use disorder is a brain disorder that can develop after repeated opioid use, creating an overwhelming desire for the drug. The disorder is a medical condition that can be managed with treatment, allowing people with opioid use disorder to regain a healthy and productive life.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription medications for pain, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine and many others.

Signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder

Signs of opioid use disorder include:

• Craving, in which the mind develops an overwhelming desire for the drug.
• Inability to stop using opioids, even though use of the drug is causing harm (to physical and mental health, relationships, work performance, etc.)
• Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of opioid use.
• Spending a lot of time to obtain, use or recover from opioids.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between use of opioids.
• Developing tolerance, which refers to the need over time for higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect.

Take this brief and anonymous questionnaire if you are concerned about your opioid use. Your results are completely confidential and will not be stored or sent anywhere—this is simply a self-assessment for your own use. You will have the option to print a copy of the results, either for your records or to share with your physician or a mental health professional.

This screening tool is just a guide. If your result is positive or you have concerns about your substance use, even if the screening result is negative, reach out to your health care provider.

Effects of opioid use disorder

Unhealthy opioid use—such as using opioids without medical supervision or taking them for longer, in higher doses, or greater frequency than prescribed—can damage relationships, school and job performance, and physical and emotional health. Often, it also can be life-threatening:

• In 2021, more than 80,000 people died from an overdose involving an opioid.
• The risk of death by suicide is 13 times higher in people with opioid use disorder than those without it.

Learn how to use naloxone to save the life of someone experiencing an overdose.

Harmful physical effects of opioid use disorder include:

• Heart function issues, such as irregular heartbeat.
• Respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic cough.
• Ear, nose, throat and eye problems, such as pink eye, ear infections, sinus issues and hoarseness.
• Oral issues, such as gum disease.
• Skin issues, such as rashes and jaundice.
• Digestive system problems.
• Muscle and bone issues.
• Withdrawal symptoms such as runny nose, tremors and vomiting that may occur in periods between usage.
• Opioid intoxication-induced effects such as itchiness, drowsiness, and impaired memory.

Treatment for opioid use disorder

Recovery is possible. No matter what you are experiencing, treatments and resources are available. VA offers life-saving, evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder  that are proven to be effective for most people. Medications for opioid use disorder are available at your local VA medical center or clinic. In addition, assessment and treatment referral services are available at Vet Centers. 

Veterans who use opioids should also talk to their health care provider about having a medication called naloxone on hand. Naloxone is designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

Get started today by visiting our Treatment and Next Steps page, which will help you:

• Learn more about the treatment options.
• Schedule a mental health appointment with VA.
• Find local VA treatment programs.

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