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A large study of Medicaid-enrolled youth found alarming gaps in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment: only half started treatment within two weeks of diagnosis, and just 3% stayed on medication for six months. Younger teens and racial minorities fared the worst. Researchers say expanded medication access and better retention models are urgently needed.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals stark treatment gaps for young people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the US. Analyzing Medicaid claims data from over 229,000 individuals aged 13–25 between 2016 and 2023, researchers found that while about half began treatment within two weeks of diagnosis, the numbers dropped sharply at every subsequent stage of care — with only 3.1% remaining on medication for at least 180 days.
The disparities are especially concerning along age and racial lines. Adolescents under 18 were far less likely to receive medications for OUD (MOUD) than young adults (6.6% vs. 51.2%), and non-Hispanic Black youth were half as likely as non-Hispanic White youth to receive MOUD. Buprenorphine was the most commonly used medication, though methadone showed the highest 180-day retention rate.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings expose a deeply fragmented system for treating OUD in youth — particularly for younger teens and minority groups. Without stronger policies to expand medication access and improve long-term retention, a vulnerable population remains dangerously undertreated during a critical window for intervention.
