Columbus Community Hospital

Connect with us:

  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
    • Concussion Management Program
    • Diabetes and Health Education
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency Department/Trauma Services
    • Gift Shop
    • Health Library
    • Home Health
    • Hospice
    • Hospitalist Services
    • ICU/ACU
    • Laboratory
    • Lifeline
    • Maternal Child Health
    • Occupational Health Services
    • Oncology and Infusion Services
    • Orthopedic Services
    • Pain Management
    • Rehabilitative Services
    • Respiratory Care
    • Same Day Services
    • Skilled Nursing
    • Sleep Lab
    • Sports Medicine
    • Surgical Services
    • Swing Bed
    • Thrive Cancer Rehabilitation Care
    • Women’s Health
    • Wiggles & Giggles Therapy for Kids
    • W.O.C. Health Center
    • Additional Services
  • For Patients & Visitors
    • Cafeteria Menu
    • Cost Estimator
    • E-Cards
    • Find a Physician
    • General Information
    • Health Education Department
    • Joint Commission
    • Location/Map
    • Nominate a Nurse
    • Non-Discrimination and Language Help
    • Online Bill Pay
    • Patient Financial Information
    • Patient Portal
    • Pre-admission
    • Registration
    • Social Media Policy
    • Visiting Hours
    • Web Nursery
  • Donate Today
    • Make a Donation
    • Q & A about Donating
    • Ways to Give
    • Current Memorials
    • News & Events
    • Foundation Annual Report
  • Volunteer
  • News & Events
    • Annual Report
    • Community Benefit
    • Calendar of Events
    • Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
    • Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
    • CHIP Implementation Plan
    • Community Newsletter
    • Latest News
    • Support Groups
    • We Can Run, Walk and Roll
  • Careers
    • Apply
    • Physician
    • Benefits
    • Job Postings
    • Shared Governance
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
    • Recognition Form
Home > Our Services > Health Library
  • X
  • Conditions
  • Conditions In-depth
  • Procedures
  • Wellness Centers
  • Natural & Alternative
  • Drug Info
  • Procedure Animations
  • Wellness Videos
Symptom CheckerQuick Nav
 
Health Library Home>Natural & Alternative Treatments>Conditions>Article

Opioid Use Disorder

En Español (Spanish Version)

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a harmful pattern of opioid use. It leads to problems with how you relate to your family, friends, and others. Opioids are a class of very addictive drugs from the opium plant. These are morphine, oxycodone and heroin. Cocaine and methamphetamine are not opioids. But they are also very addictive and may lead to the same problems. People keep using these drugs so they don’t have withdrawal problems.

There is no cure. Treatments can help. It depends on how badly you are addicted. It always means not using the drugs. The cause is often complex. A mix of medical, social, mental health, and behavioral therapies is needed. Setbacks are common. A stay at a rehab may be needed.

Natural Therapies

Some people look to natural treatments to help cope with withdrawal problems. They have not been shown to help on a consistent basis.

May or May Not Be Effective

  • Acupuncture A1-A5 may help ease withdrawal when used with standard care
  • N-acetylcysteine B1 is thought to ease cravings

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about all herbs or pills you are taking. Some may get in the way of your treatment or other health problems you may have.

 

References►

Acupuncture

A1. Bearn J, Swami A, Stewart D, et al. Auricular acupuncture as an adjunct to opiate detoxification treatment: Effects on withdrawal symptoms. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2009 Apr;36(3):345-349.

A2. Chan YY, Lo WY. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunct to methadone treatment services for heroin addicts: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Chin Med. 2014;42(3):569-586.

A3. Chang BH, Sommers E. Acupuncture and relaxation response for craving and anxiety reduction among military veterans in recovery from substance abuse disorder. Am J Addict. 2014 Mar-Apr;23(2):129-136.

A4. Ahlberg R, Skarberg K, et al. Auricular acupuncture for substance use: a randomized controlled trial of effects on anxiety, sleep, drug use and use of addiction treatment services. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2016 Jul 25;11(1):24.

A5. Margolin A, Kleber HD, Avants SK, et al. Acupuncture for the treatment of cocaine addiction: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 2002;287:55-57.

N-acetylcysteine

B1. Duailibi MS, Cordeiro Q, et al. N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of craving in substance use disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Addict. 2017 Oct;26(7):660-666.

Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Richard Glickman-Simon, MD  Last Updated: 3/2/2019

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

Copyright ©  EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy

© 2014 Columbus Community Hospital, Inc.
4600 38th Street
P.O. Box 1800
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-1800
T: 402-564-7118
E: info@columbushosp.org

Web Design by In10sity

  • Home
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Search This Site
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap
  • Product Review Request
  • About Us
  • Clinical Education
  • Student Central
  • Staff Email
  • HPF Webstation
  • ANSOS Web Scheduler
  • CCH PACS
  • CCH PACS-Lite
Symptom Checker