Indiana is one of the six states with the highest opioid death rates, and the COVID pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. The heightened mental strain resulted in the risk of fatal overdoses jumping to 39% across the United States. In Indiana, this likelihood led to 2,268 deaths in 2020, much higher than the 1,704 deaths from the previous year. Another troubling change that occurred during the course of the pandemic is the shift from heroin to fentanyl as the most abused opioid. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are more common now due to the much stronger highs they provide. Fentanyl has been found not only by itself but also mixed with methamphetamine and cocaine, leaving more room for dangerous reactions. Naloxone is the primary medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and it has saved many lives during the pandemic.
Non-profit organizations like Overdose Lifeline work to make Naloxone available to those who may need it and they sometimes support needle exchange programs. Although needle exchange programs have diminished, the state of Indiana has increased the number of opioid treatment programs. Their goal is to have a program within an hour of every Hoosier. One of the challenges they have faced is the fact that certain community members are not willing to have these programs near them. Unfortunately, opponents of these programs are more likely to contact their legislators than those who need assistance from one of the programs, which slows the effort. The state is trying to reverse this “not in my backyard” mentality with help from law enforcement and by providing in-person testimonies from victims of opioid addiction.
Sources:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-opioid-overdose-hotspot.html
https://www.wfyi.org/programs/all-in/radio/ending-syringe-exchange-program-and-opioid-crisis-update
(cover pic) https://medicine.uiowa.edu/content/new-grant-supports-training-opioid-addiction-treatment
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