New Analysis Identifies Gaps in Cascade of Care for People with OUD

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) released a new report identifying gaps in care for people living with Opioid Use Disorder. The MMWR report used data from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) applied to a “cascade of care” framework to estimate and characterize U.S. adult populations who need Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment, receive any OUD treatment, and receive medications for OUD.

In 2022, more opioid involved overdose deaths (81,806) were reported in the United States than in any previous year. Although medications for OUD, including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, substantially reduce mortality, they report found that they are underused. In 2022, among the 4% of U.S. adults who needed OUD treatment, only 25% received recommended medications. A large percentage (30%) received treatment without medications. Higher percentages of white adults received treatment compared to African American or Hispanic adults, and higher percentages of men compared to women aged 35-49 years old received medications.

The findings suggest that expanded communication about the effectiveness of medications for OUD continues to be needed. Clinicians and other treatment providers should offer or arrange evidence-based treatment, including medications for OUD. Pharmacists and payors can support making these medications available without delays.