COVID-19 And It’s Effects On Overdose Rates

January 12th, 2021

As we begin a new year, we also approach the anniversary of
nearly one full year of COVID-19 in the United States. Many of us recall March
2020 as a time of fear and uncertainty. Looking back, it is pretty crazy to
think how far we have come in one short year. Many of us took this time in
quarantine to look inward and focus on ourselves. However, many of us also had
quite a few struggles along the way.

Quarantine has been quite an added challenge for those who
are in the sober community – especially those who are newly sober. To be required
to stay at home and be left to your own devices can be incredibly challenging
for an addict. Routine is something that is so important in the recovery
process and to have that completely thrown off can be an incredible
challenge.

Our nation was already facing an opioid and overdose
epidemic, so adding a global pandemic on top of that only made matters worse.
The Director of the National Institutes of Health has said, “We do not yet have
nationwide data that capture the full impact of COVID-19 and its related
societal effects on overdose deaths, but some indicators show troubling increases
associated with it.”

Some facts that we do have include:

• The CDC provisional drug overdose death count
  shows an increase in overdose deaths
• The Overdose Detection Mapping Application
  Program data shows a 17.59% increase in suspected overdoses following the start
  of stay-at-home orders
• A study of the National Emergency Medical
  Services Information System showed an increase in the initial months of the
  pandemic in overdose deaths. As of yet, the overall 2020 numbers were elevated
  by approximately 50%.

In addition to overdose numbers being on the rise in 2020,
so have alcohol and cannabis sales nationwide. With all of the effects of the
pandemic, such as a feeling of isolation, financial woes, and loaded stress,
many people look to instant gratification and an escape from the reality. It is
imagined that all of these factors are what caused an increase of 13.3% of
people using substances to cope with stress or emotions.

When it comes to treating addiction during the pandemic,
this has come with its own sets of challenges too. Many individuals who are
ready to seek help or are in need have or had a fear of getting help during
quarantine for fear of getting sick. There were new policies put in place both
in treatment centers and nationwide. Federal agencies even implemented policies
that helped increase access to take-home doses of medication used to treat
opioid use disorder and helped to expand telehealth access for addiction
treatment. Even Alcoholics Anonymous meetings shifted to being completely
remote. As we move closer to the end of this pandemic, many agencies are
continuing to evaluate how we can change and improve upon remote addiction
treatment long past the end.

Heading into 2021, as we approach what will hopefully be an
end to the COVID-19 crisis, it is important to take this time to reflect.
Remind yourself of the growth you have experienced over the past year. Think of
the ways you could improve or grow as we head into a new year and a clean
slate.

On the flip side, there are many people who may have
discovered, either themselves or through a loved one, a new addiction. If you
or a loved one are in need of help, reach out to our team today. It is never
easy to admit that we need help, but the team at Windmill Wellness Ranch is
here to support you every step of the way on your path to recovery.