Understanding Treatment-Seeking Behaviors in Alcohol Use Disorder: An Analysis of NSDUH Data (2021–2023)

Additional Authors

Jodi L. Southerland Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East TN State University, Johnson City, TN 37614

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

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Apr 16th, 11:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

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.