More than 2.7 million people in the U.S. live with opioid use disorder (OUD), yet a staggering 86% of them do not receive Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). That gap highlights an urgent public health issue—especially considering that MOUD is one of the most effective strategies to manage OUD, reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent overdose, and support long-term recovery.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder isn’t a cure, but it can be a life-changing part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, behavioral support, and long-term care. Common medications used in MOUD include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone—all proven to reduce cravings and help patients regain control over their lives.
New Data Reveals Who Seeks MOUD—And Who’s Left Behind
Virtual OUD treatment provider Bicycle Health recently released new insights from over 13,000 people who applied for Medication for Opioid Use Disorder during the second quarter of 2022. The results shine a light on the demographic, social, and medical backgrounds of those actively seeking treatment—and raise important questions about the millions who aren’t.
Most applicants were in their 30s or 40s, with an average age of 39.5 years. Notably, the number of people in their 20s applying for treatment surged by more than 106% year-over-year, showing a growing awareness of MOUD options among younger adults. The youngest average age by state was 34 in Georgia, while Alabama reported the oldest at 46.
Perhaps one of the most striking findings is that over 56% of people said their opioid use began with a legal prescription. This echoes national data showing the origins of the opioid epidemic in the overprescribing practices of the 1990s and early 2000s. The path to addiction is often not what people expect—and stigma can prevent individuals from seeking the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder that could help them recover.
Barriers to Access and the Role of Virtual Treatment
Despite growing demand, access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder is still limited. The data revealed that nearly 16% of applicants didn’t have health insurance, and a staggering 94% lacked a primary care physician. These gaps in the healthcare system leave many without a clear path to treatment.
Virtual providers like Bicycle Health are helping bridge that divide. By removing the need for in-person visits and offering telemedicine-based care, they’re opening up new avenues for people who might otherwise be shut out of recovery services. And through a recent partnership with retail giant Albertsons, buprenorphine extended-release injections will now be available at 700 pharmacy locations across 17 states—another step forward in making Medication for Opioid Use Disorder more accessible.
Mental Health and Dual Diagnoses
Mental illness can increase the risk of developing OUD and make recovery more complicated. Around 12% of applicants reported having a mental health disorder, a number that likely underrepresents the true prevalence due to underdiagnosis or stigma. According to the National Institutes of Health, fewer than one-third of people with both OUD and a co-occurring mental illness receive treatment for both conditions.
This underscores the importance of integrated care models—those that don’t just provide Medication for Opioid Use Disorder, but also offer therapy, psychiatric care, and social support. Treating OUD in isolation often isn’t enough. Whole-person care leads to better outcomes and more sustainable recovery.
Changing the Conversation Around OUD
“In most conversations about OUD, the people struggling are the ones whose voices are left out,” said Scott Weiner, Director of Research at Bicycle Health. “Our goal with the ‘OUD Index’ is to better understand the diverse group impacted by this disease, so we can reduce stigma, educate the public and change the larger cultural conversation around OUD in our society.”
By sharing real-world data and stories, organizations like Bicycle Health are helping shift the narrative. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder should not be seen as a last resort or temporary fix—it’s a valid, evidence-based medical treatment that saves lives and restores families.
Looking Ahead: The Future of MOUD
As awareness grows and more providers offer digital-first models of care, there’s hope that more people will get the help they need. But awareness alone isn’t enough. We must continue to address the root causes of addiction, eliminate stigma, and build systems that make Medication for Opioid Use Disorder available to everyone—regardless of age, income, or geography.
The more we understand about who is seeking MOUD—and who isn’t—the better we can design solutions that close the gap. Every person who wants to recover deserves a fair shot at treatment that works.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder may not be a silver bullet, but it’s a powerful tool in a broader strategy to fight the opioid crisis. And with the right support, it can be the first step toward a healthier, more hopeful future.
