Continued Prevalence of OUD & Non-Fatal OD Among Medicaid Enrolled Youth

Despite overall reductions of opioid use among youth, a new evaluation of data conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and published in JAMA Pediatrics uncovered continued prevalence of new Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) diagnoses among youth who are Medicaid-enrolled. The research found a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders among youth with OUD and nonfatal opioid-involved overdose, underscoring the importance of identifying at-risk youth in clinical practice through increased screening.

Among youth with a nonfatal opioid involved overdose, 57% had at least 1 non-SUD related co-occurring mental health diagnosis, with 35% experiencing anxiety-related disorders, 30% experiencing depressive disorders, and 14% identified with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Among youth with ODU, 67% had a co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD), including 43% with cannabis use disorder, 31% with stimulant use disorder, and 22% with alcohol use disorder. These numbers were similar for those who had experienced no-fatal opioid-involved overdose.

The researchers highlight that youth with ODU face barriers to care, including widespread stigma. Increasing access to medications for OUD, which are underused in youth, by improving diagnosis, stigma, and access to health care for youth is essential.