Opioid addiction and the menopause share similar signs and symptoms, which may confuse a diagnosis, impairing treatment options. The menopause is diagnosed commonly in middle-aged women by testing blood and urine. Opioid dependence is diagnosed using urine analysis, assessment and diagnostic tools. A misdiagnosis may result in unwanted symptomatology and chronic disease. Nurses need to develop a better understanding of how best to use clinical assessment tools to assess women who are opioid-dependent and experiencing the menopause.A combined assessment strategy should encourage nurses to identify a correct diagnosis and source of treatment.

Every primary care nurse managing a patient with substance use problems will benefit from this comprehensive and analytical text, which provides evidenced- based guidance for strategically managing patients with substance abuse problems.