Clinical Report: Exploring the Connection Between Medications for Addiction and Healthcare Resource Use

Background

The burden of alcohol and opioid use disorders on healthcare systems is significant, with nearly $50 billion spent in 2022 on related hospital admissions. Medications for addiction treatment (MAUD and MOUD) are recommended in clinical guidelines due to their potential to reduce substance use and improve treatment retention.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Only 2% of adults with AUD and 30% with OUD received medication treatment in the past year.
• Patients receiving MAUD had significantly higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
• Healthcare utilization was more frequent among patients receiving MAUD compared to those receiving MOUD.
• Demographic analysis showed that those receiving medication tended to be older and more socioeconomically disadvantaged.
• Retention rates for MAUD and MOUD are extremely poor.

Clinical Implications

The low rates of medication utilization for AUD and OUD suggest a need for targeted interventions to improve access to these treatments.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need for strategies to increase the use of evidence-based medications for addiction.

Related Resources & Content

1. Pham et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2023 -- Exploring the Connection Between Medications for Addiction and Healthcare Resource Use
2. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Cost-Effectiveness of the START Hospital Addiction Consultation Service for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
3. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations From 2016 to 2022
4. Journal of Medical Internet Research — Experiences of Health Care Professionals with Electronic Monitoring of Controlled Substances in a Major Academic Medical Center: A Cross-Sectional Study
5. Journal of General Internal Medicine — Association Between Hospital-Based Addiction Consult Service Implementation and Hospital Length-of-Stay and 30-Day Readmission Rates for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
6. The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
7. Clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment - 10. Pharmacological interventions
8. Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations From 2016 to 2022 | Public Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network