Rapid Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Excerpt

Over 1.5 million people in the USA have an opioid use disorder (OUD), and opioid-involved overdoses are a major cause of death.¹ Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can substantially reduce morbidity and mortality associated with OUDs, yet just 18% of people with OUDs in 2019 received these medications during the prior year.¹ In several situations where timely medical attention is critical, on-demand resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Poison Control, are available nationwide to rapidly provide consultation or initiate treatment. Expanding readily available access to MOUD is essential, since opioid use, overdose, and other complications often occur at times and places where care is unavailable.² …