Overdose Deaths Rise, Driven by Illegal Opioids and the Pandemic (Washington Examiner)

Overdose deaths in the U.S. are increasing, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there have been successful efforts in recent years to reduce the use of prescription opioids, illegal drug abuse–especially the potent drug fentanyl– has led to a higher death count. The pandemic has also interfered with addicts’ ability to get help with their daily medication, and other types of support from clinics and treatment centers. emocha’s CEO Sebastian Seiguer notes: “[Addicts] have to go in person to the [methadone] clinic. But during the pandemic, you don’t want patients going to the clinic every day. So, those patients did not have the benefit of the routine that keeps them in counseling and on their medication.” In addition to facing challenges regarding their treatment routines, increased stress levels from the pandemic are likely another factor in the number of addicts relapsing.