Only 4.8% of US Adults With AUD or OUD Receive Pharmacotherapy

This cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample documents profound underuse of addiction pharmacotherapy and shows that medication recipients, who have greater disease severity, interface more heavily with acute care.

📅 Journal publication: Aug 25, 2026 · Last updated: Oct 7, 2026

naltrexoneacamprosatedisulfirambuprenorphinemethadonemedications for opioid use disordermedications for alcohol use disorderalcohol use disorderopioid use disorderNSDUHcross-sectional studyhealthcare utilizationaddiction medicine Behavioral Health / Addiction Medicine

Background Information

Pharmacotherapy may increase healthcare visits in substance use disorders.

Understanding the impact of pharmacotherapy on healthcare utilization among adults with substance use disorders (SUDs) can help optimize treatment strategies. Only 4.8% of adults with alcohol or opioid use disorder reported medication use. Those receiving pharmacotherapy had increased healthcare utilization: emergency department (ED) visits (IRR 1.57), hospital nights (IRR 2.79), and outpatient visits (IRR 1.28). The study suggests potential underutilization of pharmacotherapy and highlights the importance of early intervention to reduce reliance on acute care services. Few with substance use disorders receive medication treatment, and when they do, healthcare usage increases.

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Authors: Pham DX, Nagavally S, Hawks LC

Citation: Pham DX, Nagavally S, Hawks LC Receipt of Pharmacotherapy and Association with Healthcare Utilization Among US Adults with Alcohol or Opioid Use Disorder, 2022-2023. Journal of general internal medicine. 2026. doi:10.1007/s11606-026-10738-3

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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