Complex service needs of emerging adults accessing treatment for co-occurring opioid and mental health conditions. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lombardi, Brianna M.; Greeno, Catherine G.; Jacobs, Leah; Gordon, Jacob; Collins, Kathryn; Jhon, Peter
• Is Part Of: Social work in mental health. Volume 19:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 502
• Page End: 516
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Emerging adults -- co-occurring disorders -- opioid use disorder; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; 362.2042505
• DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2021.1928586
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Emerging adults are at high risk for opioid-use disorders (OUDs); however, their service use and co-occurring needs are infrequently described. This study analyzed county-level Medicaid claims across 3 years (2016–2018). A total of 1, 665 individuals aged 17–25 received OUD services. More than 54% of the sample received services for a co-occurring mental health (MH) disorder. Only 21.3% received medications for OUDs (MOUDs), yet those with co-occurring MH were less likely to receive MOUDs and more likely to receive high-intensity services. This article will describe the characteristics of OUD and co-occurring treatment for emerging adults and address implications for social work.