Global trends in the estimated number of drug users (2009 to 2014) indicate that the use of opioids, including the use of heroin and opium, and the non-medical use of pharmaceutical opioids, has stabilised at high levels. Worldwide, around 35.1 million people are estimated to have used opioids in 2016.

How can clinicians recognise and manage those misusing opioids? Here to offer advice is Prof Jonathan Lee, Medical Director at The Farley Center at Williamsburg Place, Williamsburg, US.

For more on opioid use disorder, visit Best Practice:
bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/200
_

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.