American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: States With Substantial Increases In Buprenorphine Uptake Did So With Increased Medicaid Prescribing, 2018–24

Lead: States With Substantial Increases In Buprenorphine Uptake Did So With Increased Medicaid Prescribing, 2018–24

Tuesday 4th November 2025

Explore state-level trends in buprenorphine uptake and Medicaid's influence on addiction treatment policies from 2018-2024.
7 minutes
Informative
Educational
Eye-opening
Supportive
Engaging

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Buprenorphine Uptake and Medicaid's Role in Addiction Treatment

Episode Overview

  • Federal policy changes aimed at increasing buprenorphine prescribing had mixed results across states.
  • Medicaid played a crucial role in driving prescription rates for opioid use disorder.
  • Certain demographics continue to experience high overdose mortality rates.
  • Substance use navigators can significantly impact treatment initiation and readmission rates.
  • State strategies include removing prior authorization and increasing provider numbers for OUD medications.
"Medicaid's key role in driving overall prescribing highlights the public health urgency of maintaining expansions."
How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober when state policies vary so widely? This episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' tackles the complexities of buprenorphine uptake and its connection to Medicaid prescribing from 2018 to 2024. Listeners will learn how federal policy changes intended to close the treatment gap for opioid use disorder (OUD) didn't quite pan out as expected on a national level.
Instead, state-specific factors played a significant role, highlighting the importance of Medicaid in driving prescription rates. The episode doesn't stop there; it dives into various studies that paint a broader picture of addiction issues. From examining overdose mortality rates among different demographics to the impact of stimulant use disorder diagnoses in young Medicaid enrollees, you'll find a wealth of information that might just change how you view addiction medicine.
The hosts also discuss the innovative role of substance use navigators in hospitals and the potential for states to expand access to medications for OUD through strategic proposals. Whether you're interested in the role of methylphenidate in treating cocaine use disorder or curious about the so-called 'gas station heroin,' this episode covers it all with a blend of expert insights and real-world data. It's an eye-opener for anyone keen on understanding the challenges and triumphs in addiction medicine today.
So, are you ready to explore how policy, medicine, and personal stories intersect in the battle against addiction?
alcoholfree.com
Published by The Mindful Drinking Company Limited
4 Providence Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5JL, England
Registered in England and Wales.
Company Number: 1195057. Vat Number: GB320915135.
Registered address as above.
© Copyright 2005-2025 The Mindful Drinking Company Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
alcoholfree.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.