Opioid Use and Treatment Availability

RUHRC Authors: Borders, T
Publication Date: 01/01/2018
Full Publication: Opioid Use and Treatment Availability

Objective

Opioid use disorder (OUD) (to include prescription drugs and heroin) is the fastest growing substance use problem in the nation. During 2008-13, 4.7% of U.S. residents ages 12 and older reported using non-medical opioids in the past year. Mean age at first use was 23. This did not vary between rural and urban communities. Among those who misused prescription opioids, 75% admitted to obtaining the pain relievers from someone who held a prescription for the drug. Despite implementation of treatment and prevention programs, rates of OUDs continue to rise in rural (non-metropolitan) and urban (metropolitan) communities alike.

Suggested Citation

Schroeder, S Opioid Use and Treatment Availability. Rural Health Research Gateway 2018