Rural and Urban Availability of Substance Use Treatment Facilities

Authors

• Aaron P. Smith, Rural and Underserved Health Research Ctr
• Tyrone F. Borders, Rural and Underserved Health Research Ctr

Abstract

Overview of Key Findings

• Rural counties have higher per capita numbers of substance use disorder treatment facilities than urban counties on average, but also greater variability and large pockets of unmet need.

• The highest proportions of residents living in counties without any treatment facilities are concentrated in rural areas within the Midwestern and Southern United States.

• Rural and urban treatment facilities offer medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at similar rates, with inpatient facilities most likely to provide MOUD, followed by residential and outpatient settings.

Publication Date

8-2026

Repository Citation

Smith, Aaron P. and Borders, Tyrone F., "Rural and Urban Availability of Substance Use Treatment Facilities" (2026). Rural & Underserved Health Research Center Publications. 30.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ruhrc_reports/30

Archival?

Archival