Utilizing resources of neuropsychopharmacology to address the opioid overdose crisis

BACKGROUND: North America is facing a severe public health crisis in the form of excessive numbers of deaths due to overdose from self‐administration of opioids by individuals who are dependent on these substances. AIMS: There are many factors that must be addressed in order to gain control over this tragedy. Of particular relevance to neuropsychopharmacology is the fact that the problem is due in part to misuse of pharmaceuticals and especially the illicit production of the powerful synthetic opioids, fentanyl, and carfentanil. METHOD: The development and adoption of appropriate pharmacotherapies are of critical importance. We discuss specific options to deal effectively with both withdrawal from opioid dependence and substitution of clinically approved drugs in place of illicit substances. CONCLUSION: Hopefully, this crisis will reinvigorate both basic and clinical neuropsychopharmacological research leading to the develop new and more effective options for dealing with the many and varied elements of the current opioid crisis as described in the present commentary.