L A N C A S T E R M E D I C A L S O C I E T Y.O R G Best Practices OPIOID USE Disorders * Opioids taken in larger amounts or longer time than intended * Persistent desire for opioids and unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control DAVID SIMONS, DO, FAOCA * Great deal of time by patient obtaining, using, or recovering from effects Pain Specialists of Lancaster n the midst of the well-recognized opioid crisis, many physicians are dealing with the challenging dilemma of identifying and managing patients with aberrant behavior, sometimes referred to as "drug seekers." The drug-seeking patients can range from well-intentioned, low-risk individuals with legitimate painful conditions to patients suffering from opioid use disorders (OUD) who display one or more aberrant behaviors. OUD is defined by the following criteria as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMD). I * Cravings * Failure to fulfill major role functions * Important social, occupational, and recreational activities given up or reduced * Recurrent use in situations that are hazardous * Continued use despite knowledge of psychological or physical problems caused or exacerbated by opioid use * Tolerance * Withdrawal LANCASTER 14 PHYSICIAN