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Recovery Insights Lab · Client Deliverable
National survey on opioid addiction, recovery, and access to medication — prepared for Indivior.
Executive Summary
The American public sees opioid addiction as a top-tier crisis, supports medication-based treatment in principle, but faces steep awareness and access barriers.
41%
pick drug addiction as a top-2 health problem
weighted · second only to mental illness (50%)
53%
of gen pop aware FDA-approved medications exist
Q4A · weighted total
53%
of medication users had coverage delayed or denied
Q29A · among recovery respondents who used medication
81%
say no coverage loss over a paperwork error
Q33 · only 4% disagree
The Public's Mandate
% ranking each area in their top 3 of 7 · weighted, effective n=705
The Crisis
People in recovery are far more optimistic (44% better) than the public (19%) — recovery is more visible from inside than outside.
Crisis has gotten worse
Crisis has gotten better
Paying less attention than before
The Awareness Gap
Only ~1 in 3 has heard of long-acting injectables. Awareness is the first barrier to overcome.
Aware FDA-approved medications exist
Aware of weekly/monthly injectables (among aware)
Heard of inpatient or residential treatment
Heard of peer-support or recovery programs
Heard of medication taken daily
Heard of long-acting medication administered by a provider
Treatment Effectiveness
% very or somewhat effective · on prescribed medication, the gap jumps from 70% to 88%.
Medication prescribed by a doctor
Counseling or therapy
Inpatient or residential rehab
Peer support or 12-step program
Faith-based programs
Quitting without any of the above (abstinence)
Medication Flexibility
% very or somewhat valuable · provider-administered dosing, extended availability, and multiple options all clear 77%+ in both audiences.
Having more than one medication option
Choosing a treatment that fits individual circumstances
Receiving medication from a provider vs. managing daily dose
Having regular contact with a healthcare provider
Reducing the need to remember medication every day
Having medication available in the body over an extended period
Medication & Recovery
Big majorities agree a person on prescribed medication is still 'in recovery.' But only ~1 in 3 calls it a legitimate treatment outright.
% agree (strongly + somewhat)
"Still in recovery" while on medication
"In long-term recovery" on medication
Forced choice: which comes closest to your view
Medication is a legitimate treatment for a medical condition
Helpful, but should eventually stop to be fully in recovery
Replaces one dependency with another
Do not know enough to have an opinion
Access Barriers
% calling each a major or moderate barrier · gen pop n=772
The Choice Gap
Even though 80% were at least somewhat aware options existed. · recovery n=304
When Insurers Say No
Of those denied: 47% withdrawal, 40% emergency care, 22% overdose. The public expects worse outcomes than those denied actually experienced.
47%
Withdrawal or worsening symptoms
40%
Emergency or hospital care
22%
Overdose
Expected (gen pop) vs. Experienced (recovery n=94) · directional
Coverage & Policy
Weighted, concern about Medicaid changes runs 71% of US adults — 74% among current Medicaid enrollees.
Concerned Medicaid changes disrupt treatment
Shouldn't lose Medicaid over paperwork error
Coverage continuity important
Immediate treatment access after jail/prison