Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans un­der the age of 50, claiming more lives than the AIDs epidemic did at its peak. Opioid abuse accounts for two-thirds of these overdoses, with over 100 Americans dying from opioid overdoses every day. Now Overcoming Opioid Addiction provides a comprehensive medical guide for opioid use disorder (OUD) sufferers, their loved ones, clinicians, and other professionals. Here is expertly presented, urgently needed in­formation and guidance, including: ? Why treating OUD is unlike treating any other form of drug dependency ? The science that underlies addiction to opioids, and a clear analysis of why this epidemic has become so deadly ? The different stages and effective methods of treatment, including detoxification vs. maintenance medications, as well as behavioral therapies ? How to deal with relapses and how to thrive despite OUD ? Plus a chapter tailored to families with crucial, potentially life-saving information, such as how to select the bes