Technical Paper County-Level Estimates of Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment Needs in California
Lisa Clemans-Cope, Doug Wissoker, Marni Epstein
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This analysis presents county-level estimates of opioid use disorder and treatment needs in California counties. Estimated rates of OUD, which we define as opioid abuse or dependence, are based on California, regional, and national estimates from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We estimate the demand for treatment in each county based on several data sources, assuming all people with OUD seek opioid-agonist treatment (i.e., buprenorphine or methadone). We estimate each county’s opioid-agonist treatment capacity based on data from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the state, as well as opioid treatment program data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Using a range of estimates of patients per waivered buprenorphine provider, we estimate the number of additional prescribers needed per county to fill the estimated treatment gap. We present strategies to meet demand for treatment, showing a range based on lower and upper estimates of the treatment gap and the treatment capacity.

Download fact sheets for each California county.

Research Areas Health and health care
Tags Health insurance Substance use Opioid crisis
Policy Centers Health Policy Center