Cost Analysis of Opioid Use Disorder in the United States

This technical report by Avalere Health evaluates the societal costs associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States, focusing on the prevalence, economic burden, and treatment benefits. It presents findings from secondary research conducted in 2022, which indicates that over six million individuals reported having OUD. The report details the average annual cost per OUD case, which is approximately $695,000, and breaks down costs borne by various stakeholders, including lost productivity and healthcare expenses. It also models the cost savings associated with different ambulatory OUD treatments, highlighting significant savings from behavioral therapy combined with medications. The report outlines the barriers to treatment access, including stigma and geographic challenges, and discusses the impact of OUD on individuals and society. The findings aim to inform stakeholders about the economic implications of OUD and the potential benefits of effective treatment strategies.