Written by Steve B | Updated on Jun 3, 2025
The $94 Billion Price Tag of Opioid Use Disorder—and How Treatment Makes a Difference
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is not only a public health crisis—it’s a $94.3 billion annual cost to the United States. This staggering figure, recently reported by Avalere Health, highlights the immense financial and societal burden OUD places on our communities, employers, and government systems.
Where Does the Cost Come From?
The costs of OUD are far-reaching:
Lost tax revenue
Healthcare expenses
Justice system costs (with $41.6 billion spent on police, courts, and corrections—more than Medicaid or substance use treatment)
Lost productivity for employers
On average, every untreated case of OUD costs about $119,000 when factoring in public and private sector expenses, law enforcement, and lost productivity.
Treatment Saves Lives—and Money
The good news is that robust addiction treatment can make a significant difference. According to Avalere’s report:
Behavioral therapy alone can save $144,000 per case (net of treatment cost).
Behavioral therapy plus methadone or transmucosal buprenorphine nearly doubles savings to $271,000 per case.
Behavioral therapy combined with long-acting injectable (LAI) buprenorphine leads to the highest savings—an estimated $295,000 per case.
All treatment options studied reduced costs compared to no treatment, and comprehensive care also decreased rates of financially motivated and violent crimes among those with OUD.
Progress and Persistent Barriers
Recent data from the CDC and DEA show a 26% year-over-year drop in drug overdose deaths—the largest decline ever recorded. Yet, OUD and opioid-related overdoses remain a pressing issue, especially as synthetic opioids like fentanyl continue to drive most overdose deaths.
Despite the benefits of treatment, access remains a challenge:
94.7% of individuals with substance use disorders do not receive treatment
Only 1 in 5 with OUD received medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in 2021
Nearly 43% did not perceive a need for treatment
Barriers include stigma, lack of provider training, and the cost of care.
Our Commitment at Gallus Detox and Recovery Services
At Gallus Detox and Recovery Services, we are dedicated to breaking down these barriers. Our evidence-based approach combines medical expertise and behavioral therapy to support lasting recovery. We understand the challenges individuals and families face, and we are committed to providing compassionate, professional, and accessible care.
Learn more about behavioral health recovery options at GallusOutpatient.com
Information from Aveler’s report brought to our attention via an article from Behavioral Health Business.
Steve B
Steve is a tech lead for digital publishing, security, and tech performance enhancement.
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