What does ADF stand for in the context of opioids?

ADF stands for "Abuse Deterrent Formulation" in the context of opioids. This term refers to a specific type of medication formulation designed to reduce the potential for misuse and abuse of opioid medications. ADFs can incorporate various mechanisms to make the formulation more difficult to alter or misuse, such as resistant components to crushing or dissolving, which are often used to facilitate illicit methods of consumption.

The development of ADFs is part of broader efforts to address the opioid crisis by providing safer medication options that minimize the risk of misuse while still delivering effective pain management. These formulations are crucial in balancing the need for pain relief with the imperative to prevent addiction and the associated harms that can arise from opioid misuse.