Amidst the pandemic and widespread social unrest, a disturbing trend has not received the media attention it deserves- overdose deaths are on the rise. Propublica details how overdose deaths in Cook County, IL have doubled compared to a comparable time period last year. Similar trends are occurring in other areas of the country as well.
While it’s tempting to attribute this trend to the stressors associated with COVID-19 or more recently by social unrest, this doesn’t account for the whole story as deaths began climbing in the beginning of the year prior to these events. One factor likely contributing to the trend is the high percentage of heroin doses containing Fentanyl. Due to its potency, Fentanyl is especially deadly.
Unfortunately the COVID pandemic (as well as the influx of illegal Fenatal) does not show signs of abating soon.So what are some things individuals, families, and communities can do?
For individuals, maintenance of one's mental health is paramount. Maintaining a set daily routine is beneficial. While recent changes have upended almost everyones’ routines, developing a new, COVID friendly, routine is key. Things such as a set wake up time, set times for exercise or physical activity, and set times for checking in via phone or online with friends, family and support are beneficial.
Accountability is also key. Hold others and have others hold you accountable for phone/online check ins. It is easy to let these lapse, but social contact of some sort is critical.
For families, providing support while not enabling is a tough but necessary line to walk. One key is to trust your instincts, you likely know this person better than anyone else. If something seems off, there is a good chance it is. Confront the problem head on.
What can communities do? Recognize this problem is getting worse. With all the recent news dominated by COVID and social unrest, the opioid epidemic has been pushed aside. It’s important to recognize that while this is the case it has not improved in many areas, and there is evidence that opioid use (or at least overdoses) are increasing.
Communities can also help by publicizing available resources, whether it be treatment facilities, recovery homes, food, narcan ect. Many people are unaware of what’s out there. A clear, searchable resource on a central website (such as the local municipalities) can help.
On a larger scale, mainly the state and federal level, we hope to see a continued expansion of the ability to use telemedicine. With COVID the ability to utilize telemedicine with Suboxone was expanded. So far we have found that patients like this and it appears to be working well. Continued research into this area with possible expansion for its use for Methadone would allow rural areas to have more access to care options that are currently unavailable. Likewise, even in urban locales, telemedicine would be a valuable tool to sustain high quality service levels to clients of opioid treatment programs during the pandemic.