Introduction

The book begins with a public health/epidemiologic examination of the situation, with a systematic view of the problem based on classic (infectious disease) epidemiologic principles applied to this behavioral health issue. This application is expanded to take into account the fact that unlike most epidemics in our species’ history, a unique factor that must be accounted for in any public health analysis is that the host (opioid-dependent/misusing patient) is generally not under sufficiently strong motivation to avoid the disease. The introduction concludes with a survey of recent containment approaches, categorized epidemiologically by target (agent, vector, host.)

Organization of the Book

The remainder of the book is organized according to this framework, addressing agent, vector/transmission and host, respectively. Sections Three and Four comprise the major focus of the book, and are dedicated primarily to practical education for primary care providers in preventing opioid use disorder, and overcoming it after the fact.