According to the CDC, “Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.” The pandemic’s disruption of normal daily lives has been detrimental to mental health and appears to lead to increased drug use and overdoses. Deaths due to overdose on synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, have increased by 38.4%, the highest increase of any drug type.
For people who are already struggling, the trials introduced with the COVID-19 pandemic have forced many people to take dangerous measures to escape their problems. This leads me to implore everyone to be sensitive to these struggles and help when possible.
The CDC is working to address this increase by working with healthcare providers, public safety officials, and local officials. For example, the CDC has reduced unsafe exposure to opiods in healthcare settings. We can all help by familiarizing ourselves with the risks of opiods, and supporting friends, neighbors, family, coworkers, etc. who are struggling with opioid use disorder.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p1218-overdose-deaths-covid-19.html
Brice Rider 