The relationship of remission with functionality, quality of life and craving in patients with opiate use disorder

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the relationship between remission time and quality of life, functionality and craving in patients with opiate use disorder (OUD). Method: 150 patients who were diagnosed with OUD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were included in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups as 50 patients who were in remission for less than 1 month, 50 patients who were in remission for 1 to 6 months, and 50 patients who were in remission for more than 6 months. World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form (SF-36), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale (WHODAS 2.0) and Substance Craving Scale (SCS) were administered to all participants together with the Sociodemographic Data Form. Results: From SF-36 subscales; physical role difficulties, emotional role difficulties, energy vitality, mental health, social functionality, pain, and general health perception scores increased between 1-6 months, while physical function scores increased significantly after the sixth month. WHODAS 2.0 total score and subscales of comprehension and communication, movement, self-care, activities of Daily living, participation in social life decreased between 1-6 months, and communication with people scores significantly decreased after the sixth month. SCS scores decreased significantly as the duration of remission increased. As the disability decreased, the quality of life increased significantly, with the decrease of craving, disability decreased and the quality of life increased. Conclusion: We can say that the quality of life increases and disability decreases in OUD patients in a short time with being in remission and a decrease in craving. Our study emphasizes the importance of treatment in this patient group.