In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical insights into substance use disorder (SUD) trends, particularly focusing on opioid use within Marathon County and the broader context of Wisconsin. The presentation highlighted national data indicating that approximately 17.82% of U.S. adults, equating to around 45 million individuals, experience SUD, with a staggering 77% of this group not receiving any treatment.

The meeting emphasized the complexity of SUD, which encompasses various substances beyond opioids, including alcohol and methamphetamines. Factors contributing to these disorders include social, psychological, environmental, and genetic influences. Notably, individuals with histories of abuse are at a heightened risk for developing SUD.

The discussion also addressed the alarming rise in overdose deaths, which surged by 130% from 2015 to 2022, disproportionately affecting rural communities. This crisis has been exacerbated by limited access to treatment services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a significant increase in demand for behavioral health services. The meeting revealed that in 2023, 55% of adults with mental illness—approximately 28 million people—did not receive treatment, with SUD treatment gaps being even more pronounced in Wisconsin, where nearly 77% of adults with SUD lacked access to necessary care.

Officials underscored the importance of understanding these trends and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the growing demand for treatment and support services in the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore qualitative insights gathered from local stakeholders, including treatment providers and individuals with lived experiences, to inform future recommendations and actions.