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Who has OUD?

Opioid Use Disorder, or OUD, does not discriminate. People from any walk of life may develop OUD depending on circumstances. Learn more about who has OUD to remove the stigma and get those you care for the help they need.

Risk of Addiction

The risk of opioid addiction is greater for people who:

  • Have a personal or family history of substance misuse.
  • Are younger, specifically in their teens or early 20s.
  • Have serious depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Have a history of physical or sexual abuse.
  • Are living with stress, including being unemployed or living below the poverty line.
  • Experience long-term pain, which is more likely for women.
  • Are prescribed opioid medication, which is more likely for women in higher doses and for longer periods of time.

Women are more likely to have OUD and chronic pain.

Fatal Overdose By the Numbers

While anyone can be impacted by overdose, some people are more at risk than others.

35-54
year-olds =
highest overdose
deaths in CT
~70%
males
2x
higher for Black
people compared
to other races

*final 2024 data from CT DPH pending

Preventing OUD

Just because you may be at greater risk of developing OUD doesn’t mean it’s a definite. There are ways to prevent an OUD from starting in the first place:

  • If you’re prescribed opioids for pain management, do not use them for more than three days.
  • Never take another substance along with the opioid, including alcohol or cannabis.
  • Ask your healthcare provider if there are alternatives to opioids they can prescribe instead.
  • Never share or give away a personal opioid prescription to another person.
  • Always store opioids in a secure, locked location, like a medication lockbox.

Get rid of unused opioids safely. Find a Controlled Substance Public Disposal location near you (many police stations offer this type of disposal).

Overdoses Don’t Have to be Fatal

Overdoes can be reversed. Anyone can help save a life.

70
of overdoses
happened in
a residence
1/2
Someone was home
in nearly 1/2 of
overdose incidents
~60
of overdose
deaths happened
in a home

Support Is Available

If you have someone in your life who has OUD, here are some things you can do to help someone you care for connect to support:

  • Don’t judge. Listen to your loved one about their struggles.
  • Remember that OUD is a disease, not a character flaw.
  • Talk to your loved one so they can hear what you have to say.
  • Do your own research and let your loved one know about available treatment options, such as highly effective medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
  • Offer to accompany them to a doctor or treatment specialist.
  • Continue to be supportive and patient through this process.