West Virginia Faces Alarming Costs of Opioid Use Disorder
April 30, 2025 — Northern Virginia — A new report from Avalere Health highlights West Virginia’s troubling position as the state that incurs the highest per capita costs for opioid use disorder (OUD), surpassing $500 per person and representing over 6% of the state’s GDP. This analysis anticipates that the state will bear upwards of $52 billion in OUD-related costs by 2024, amid a national crisis estimated to exceed $3.9 trillion.
Since the 1990s, the opioid epidemic has evolved from overprescription of painkillers to the rampant availability of fentanyl and synthetic opioids. With an OUD rate exceeding 2%, West Virginia is grappling with severe consequences, including the highest overdose mortality rate in the nation—approximately 80.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022.
The economic burden extends beyond government expenses. While the average case of OUD costs around $695,000 annually nationwide, in West Virginia, this figure doubles to over $1.2 million. Significant losses stem from decreased earnings and increased judicial and medical expenses, coupled with the societal cost of lost lives.
Despite these concerns, there is a measure of optimism regarding treatment. Avalere reports that behavioral therapy can save around $144,000 per case, and the combination of therapy with medication can yield savings between $270,000 and $295,000.
Yet, resistance to medication-assisted treatment remains a barrier. Pending legislation aims to make methadone clinics illegal, presenting a significant obstacle to access. Experts urge the education of primary care physicians as a vital step in addressing OUD, emphasizing the importance of community support for patients seeking help. The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this ongoing public health crisis, particularly among minority populations disproportionately affected by OUD.
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