WHO updates rules calling for methadone or buprenorphine for OUD

Key Points

• Evaluate the recommendations by WHO for treating opioid use disorder using methadone or buprenorphine.
• Review WHO guidelines on opioid use disorder treatment
• Analyze global statistics on drug-related deaths
• Identify the implications of these treatments
• WHO emphasizes methadone and buprenorphine as effective treatments for OUD
• Opioids account for approximately 450,000 of the 600,000 drug-related deaths annually
• Improved treatment access could reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with OUD