The opioid crisis continues to exert a devastating impact on public health in the United States, with an escalating number of lives lost to overdose. Amid these challenges, innovative strategies such as Abuse-Deterrent Formulations (ADFs) have emerged as a critical component in mitigating the non-medical use of prescribed opioids. ADFs are engineered with specific properties designed to resist manipulation, thereby reducing the potential for abuse while ensuring that patients with legitimate chronic pain needs maintain access to essential medications. This segment will delve into the intricacies of ADFs, balancing the imperative to prevent opioid misuse with the necessity of preserving patient access to pain management solutions.