A Dissemination and Implementation Science Approach to the Epidemic of Opioid Use Disorder in the United States

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to (1) conceptualize the complexity of the opioid use disorder epidemic using a conceptual model grounded in the disease continuum and corresponding levels of prevention and (2) summarize a select set of interventions for the prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder.

Recent findings: Epidemiologic data indicate non-medical prescription and illicit opioid use have reached unprecedented levels, fueling an opioid use disorder epidemic in the USA. A problem of this magnitude is rooted in multiple supply- and demand-side drivers, the combined effect of which outweighs current prevention and treatment efforts. Multiple primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions, both evidence-informed and evidence-based, are available to address each point along the disease continuum-non-use, initiation, dependence, addiction, and death. If interventions grounded in the best available evidence are disseminated and implemented across the disease continuum in a coordinated and collaborative manner, public health systems could be increasingly effective in responding to the epidemic.

Keywords: Addiction; Dissemination; Implementation science; Non-medical use; Opioid use disorder; Prevention.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1

Conceptual model of evidence-informed and evidence-based strategies to address the opioid use disorder epidemic