USA. Addressing the Opioid Crisis: A Look at the Evolving Landscape of Federal OUD Treatment Policies
USA. Addressing the Opioid Crisis: A Look at the Evolving Landscape of Federal OUD Treatment Policies
Opioid overdose deaths, primarily driven by fentanyl, have surged during the pandemic, exposing significant gaps in access to and availability of treatment. From 2016 to 2021, opioid overdose deaths nearly doubled, from 42,249 to 80,411. By 2021, these deaths accounted for 75% of all fatal drug overdoses, up from 66% in 2016. Rises in overdose deaths have been particularly sharp among people of color and young people. Policy efforts have focused on enhancing access to medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment, which can substantially reduce overdose and mortality rates. Yet, approximately 75% of people with OUD do not receive the recommended treatment, and treatment rates are generally lower among people of color and adolescents. (KFF, USA, 11.07.2023)
https://www.kff.org/other/issue-brief/addressing-the-opioid-crisis-a-look-at-the-evolving-landscape-of-federal-oud-treatment-policies