Barriers to substance use disorder treatment among adults who think they need treatment (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Little recent empirical insight exists about adults in the US who think they need substance use disorder treatment. OBJECTIVE Characterizes adults who think they need treatment and quantify their reported reasons for not receiving it. METHODS We conduct a cross-sectional descriptive analysis with the 2022-2023 NSDUHs. RESULTS Affordability, stigma, inaccessible providers, and preference for self-reliance are barriers to substance use disorder treatment. CONCLUSIONS Reducing substance use disorder treatment barriers requires addressing affordability, provider access, stigma, and patient preferences.