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opioid abuse

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of opioid use marked by recurrent significant adverse consequences related to the repeated ingestion of an opioid such as morphine, heroin, or substances with morphinelike effects (e.g., codeine, oxycodone). This diagnosis is preempted by the diagnosis of opioid dependence: If the criteria for opioid abuse and opioid dependence are both met, only the latter diagnosis is given. In DSM–5, however, both have been subsumed into opioid use disorder and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. See also substance abuse.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

homoplasy

homoplasy

n. a similarity of form in bodily structures of species that are not descended from a common ancestor (e.g., the body forms of a tuna and a dolphin). This superficial resemblance often arises through the process of convergent evolution because the species live in the same environment. Compare homology. See also analogy. —homoplastic adj.