Understanding Treatment-Seeking Behaviors in Alcohol Use Disorder: An Analysis of NSDUH Data (2021–2023)
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) presents a significant public health challenge, affecting approximately 1% of the global population and contributing to 6% of global mortality. In the United States, 28.9 million individuals aged 12 or older were diagnosed with AUD in 2023. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments, including pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapies and support groups, treatment-seeking rates remain low. This study explores the relationship between AUD severity and treatment-seeking behaviors among U.S. adults while adjusting for insurance status, rurality, and demographic characteristics. This study utilized data from the 2021–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). A logistic regression analysis was conducted assessing AUD severity and treatment-seeking behaviors. The model was adjusted for insurance status, rurality, age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Among adults with AUD, 94% (N=13,899) did not seek treatment. Compared to mild AUD, those with moderate (OR=2.16) and severe AUD (OR=6.64) were significantly more likely to seek treatment. Gender disparities were observed, with males in rural areas having 30% lower odds of seeking treatment compared to females, though this was not statistically significant. Black/African American and Non-Hispanic Asian individuals were 30% and 65% has lower odds, respectively, to seek treatment than Whites. Insurance coverage influenced treatment-seeking behavior; those with private insurance had an OR of 1.02 (p<0.0001), whereas those with government insurance had significantly higher odds of seeking treatment (OR=2.91, p<.01). Additionally, individuals aged 35 to 49 years old had 28% increased odds of seeking treatment, while those >50 years had 38% reduced odds than young adults (18–25years); both were significant. Our study highlights, that AUD severity strongly influences treatment-seeking. However, notable disparities persist across age, race/ethnicity, rurality, and insurance coverage. Public health interventions are necessary to improve treatment access, especially for underserved populations.
Start Time
16-4-2025 11:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 12:00 PM
Room Number
311
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Faculty Mentor
Shimin Zheng
Understanding Treatment-Seeking Behaviors in Alcohol Use Disorder: An Analysis of NSDUH Data (2021–2023)
311
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) presents a significant public health challenge, affecting approximately 1% of the global population and contributing to 6% of global mortality. In the United States, 28.9 million individuals aged 12 or older were diagnosed with AUD in 2023. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments, including pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapies and support groups, treatment-seeking rates remain low. This study explores the relationship between AUD severity and treatment-seeking behaviors among U.S. adults while adjusting for insurance status, rurality, and demographic characteristics. This study utilized data from the 2021–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). A logistic regression analysis was conducted assessing AUD severity and treatment-seeking behaviors. The model was adjusted for insurance status, rurality, age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Among adults with AUD, 94% (N=13,899) did not seek treatment. Compared to mild AUD, those with moderate (OR=2.16) and severe AUD (OR=6.64) were significantly more likely to seek treatment. Gender disparities were observed, with males in rural areas having 30% lower odds of seeking treatment compared to females, though this was not statistically significant. Black/African American and Non-Hispanic Asian individuals were 30% and 65% has lower odds, respectively, to seek treatment than Whites. Insurance coverage influenced treatment-seeking behavior; those with private insurance had an OR of 1.02 (p<0.0001), whereas those with government insurance had significantly higher odds of seeking treatment (OR=2.91, p<.01). Additionally, individuals aged 35 to 49 years old had 28% increased odds of seeking treatment, while those >50 years had 38% reduced odds than young adults (18–25years); both were significant. Our study highlights, that AUD severity strongly influences treatment-seeking. However, notable disparities persist across age, race/ethnicity, rurality, and insurance coverage. Public health interventions are necessary to improve treatment access, especially for underserved populations.