Estimated Reductions in Opioid Overdose Deaths with Sustainment of Public Health Interventions in 4 U.S. States
2023
This study utilizes a decision analytical model to simulate the opioid epidemic in four heavily impacted states: Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio. By analyzing the effects of increased initiation and retention of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) and enhanced naloxone distribution over a 2 to 5-year timeframe, the research assesses the potential reduction in opioid overdose deaths (OODs). Results indicate that sustaining a combination of interventions could lead to substantial reductions in OODs, ranging from 13% to 27% within 2 years and further declines of 18% to 46% over 5 years. These findings emphasize the necessity of ongoing intervention efforts to effectively combat the opioid crisis and prevent a resurgence of OODs in these severely affected states.
Source:
Chhatwal J, Mueller PP, Chen Q et al. Estimated Reductions in Opioid Overdose Deaths with Sustainment of Public Health Interventions in 4 U.S. States. JAMA Network Open 2023; 6 (6): e2314925. https://doi.org/10.1001%2Fjamanetworkopen.2023.14925