Challenges of addressing opioid use disorder in rural settings: A state perspective

Rural states and communities continue to face significant challenges as they work to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and to implement specific strategies for prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs). While a growing number of innovative strategies have been identified that can offer promise for rural communities, state and clinical leaders from rural communities will need to identify evidence-based approaches that can work best in their communities, and ways to tailor options to meet their unique needs. This article identifies a set of five considerations for rural states and communities as they continue their work to identify solutions to this deadly epidemic.