State Efforts To Improve The Continuum Of Care For Substance Use Disorder And Opioid Use Disorder

As the opioid overdose epidemic continues to evolve, and with increasing challenges related to the rising prevalence of illicit opioids, stimulants, and poly-substance use, states must continue to make progress in addressing barriers to accessing high-quality substance use disorder treatment and linkages to care. Medicaid enrollees are disproportionally impacted by SUD and OUD, and many individuals affected by SUD continue to face barriers to high-quality treatment such as stigma, lack of coverage, and a limited provider workforce. Access to quality evidence-based treatment and recovery supports are limited, with substantial variation in state prescribing rates of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). An additional challenge in delivering SUD services is coordinating treatment and co-occurring physical health needs or behavioral health needs, along with wrap around or support services (e.g., housing, employment) to help individuals transition through levels of care and into recovery in the community.

The purpose of this publication is to serve as a resource for states addressing challenges related to these focus areas, especially where cross-agency collaboration is an essential element of these programs.