Opioid Use Disorders Rise 40% in Insured Adults

Since 2021, diagnoses of opioid use disorders (OUDs) among individuals with commercial insurance plans have risen by 40%, according to FAIR Health (FH). FAIR Health is an independent nonprofit that keeps and manages the largest database of private insurance claims data in the US.

A recent Behavioral Health Business article provides a breakdown of FAIR Health’s findings and contrasts them with information from other surveys with similar goals. Here are the highlights:

Who’s Most Affected?

FAIR Health’s research showed that the 31 to 40 age group accounted for the largest percentage (26.8%) of OUD diagnoses. Their research also showed that males were more likely to be diagnosed with an OUD than females.

The state where the highest rate of patients with commercial insurance sought treatment after a diagnosis (at the rate of 1,447 out of every 100,000 diagnoses) was Tennessee. West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas and Delaware also had some of the highest rates. Importantly, these rates showed that very few people who receive an OUD diagnosis actually seek treatment.

These numbers line up with Rehab.com’s Drug Use Statistics Report, which shows West Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky all in the top five for total drug use.

On the healthcare practitioners’ side, the group’s data showed that between 2021 and 2024, the rate at which nurses were specializing in OUD treatment doubled. The rates at which physician assistants and psychiatric nurses have been providing this type of treatment also increased by 69% and 66% respectively.

Understanding the Data Differences

FAIR Health’s study focused on the commercially insured population. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed that national opioid use trends remain unchanged when you include everyone aged 12 and over.

However, this difference can be explained by the fact that the NSDUH captures self reported data, whereas FAIR Health’s latest research only tracked private insurance claims. All this after the CDC reported that deaths from opioid overdoses declined between 2023 and 2024.

Finding Help for Opioid Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, treatment is available and insurance may cover some or all costs. Rehab.com can connect you to the best rehab centers that specialize in opioid addiction and medication assisted treatment.

Find top rated rehabs near you or call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) today.