Trends in Heroin Treatment Admissions in the United States by Race, Sex, and Age
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This study’s results suggest important differences in heroin treatment admissions to state-regulated programs by race and age in the US. Between 2015 and 2017, heroin treatment admissions among White men and women were highest for ages 21 to 34 years, whereas admissions among Black men and women were highest for ages 45 to 54 years. Among White individuals, the mean number of admissions per 3-year groupings increased since 2000 and the age distribution remained centered around ages 21 to 34 years. Among Black individuals, however, admissions decreased from 2000 to 2014 and the age distribution shifted to older ages. These results suggest the existence of an aging cohort of Black men and women seeking treatment for heroin addiction who developed OUD earlier in life. The reason for the recent rise in admissions in all groups may reflect improvements in access to care resulting from increased federal funding for addiction treatment.
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