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National Trends In US Opioid-Related Hospitalizations, 2016-23
Linnea M Wilson1, Tae Woo Park2, Jonathan Hintz3
1Linnea M. Wilson, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Opioid hospitalizations declined overall in the US from 2016-2023, but increased for some demographics. Mortality and self-discharge rates rose, indicating a need for targeted public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The opioid crisis is a persistent public health issue in the US, with evolving hospitalization trends.
- Previous data showed a decrease in opioid-related hospitalizations from 2016 to 2019, but recent trends were unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine recent trends in the incidence and outcomes of US opioid-related hospitalizations.
- To analyze changes in hospitalization rates, mortality, and discharge patterns from 2016 to 2023.
Main Methods:
- A serial cross-sectional study utilizing the National Inpatient Survey data from 2016 to 2023.
- Analysis included regression models, annual percent change, and z-tests to assess trends in opioid-related hospitalizations and outcomes.
- Examined sociodemographic characteristics and payer information associated with hospitalizations.
Main Results:
- Opioid-related hospitalizations decreased overall between 2016 and 2023, with the greatest decline among individuals younger than 35.
- Hospitalizations increased for Hispanic and Native American populations, Medicaid recipients, and individuals over 65.
- The proportion of hospitalizations resulting in death and self-directed discharge significantly increased during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Recent trends show differential reductions in opioid-related hospitalizations across demographic groups.
- Increasing mortality and self-directed discharge rates highlight critical areas for public health intervention and improved patient care.
- Targeted strategies are needed to address disparities and mitigate adverse outcomes associated with the ongoing opioid crisis.
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