Addiction and COVID-19 – a dangerous combination in the making to say the least. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to shelter at home, many were struggling behind closed doors. Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows drug overdoses claimed around 93,000 lives in 2020, which is the most there have been in a single year. The overdoses were primarily tied to opioids, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and psychostimulants like cocaine. It’s not just higher than prior years, it’s a big increase. The count is about 30% higher than 2019.
Locally, we are no exception- there were an estimated 7,579 drug overdose deaths in Florida in 2020, which is a shocking 37% higher than the prior year.
We’re also seeing an increase specifically in opioid-related overdoses in Duval County. Data from March-May 2020 in Duval, compared to the same time period the year prior, showed a 50% increase in the number of suspected opioid-related overdoses.
Addiction and COVID-19 Why the Rise
Substance dependency and misuse have long been problems in many communities. In 2017, an estimated 1.227 million people in Florida were living with drug or alcohol dependency or abuse. As startling as that number may be, it’s actually the 10th lowest rate of all states in the US.
The change we’ve seen during COVID-19 can be connected to many different factors. The drugs themselves are more dangerous, as there has been an apparent increase in drugs laced with fentanyl. But there are many mental and emotional health connections as well- people are struggling with isolation, financial hardship, and health-related stress.
Locally, recovery centers are also seeing a rise in relapses, both among people who are new to sobriety and those who have been sober for a long time. Recovery programs and meetings are not taking place at the same frequency or capacity as before, meaning a crucial support for many doesn’t exist as they’re used to. Some meetings have gone virtual, but not everyone in recovery is able to connect to that method of service.
Further complicating this, there is a high co-occurrence of addiction and mental health problems, sometimes with a person trying to treat their mental illness with substance use, and sometimes with prolonged substance use leading to mental health disorders. Addiction itself is a mental illness, which comes with compulsive behaviors and lower impulse control.
Substance Abuse and Addiction – Getting Help
If you are struggling with substance misuse or maintaining your sobriety, know that you are not alone and help is available.
The vast majority of people dealing with substance use disorders don’t receive treatment. Overcoming substance misuse alone is an incredibly difficult challenge. Dealing with addiction and COVID-19 isolation doesn’t make things any easier. There are many different treatment options, from outpatient to residential programs. Jax Therapy Network’s searchable database of local, licensed mental health professionals allows you to search for someone who specializes in alcohol abuse, drug dependency, and related areas. A counselor or therapist can not only support you on the road to recovery, but provide other options, if more extensive treatment is recommended.
If that step seems too big, start by identifying someone who you feel safe to talk to, who is able to help you. Ask that person to be available for you to call when you need to talk, or to help control any substance you need but have been misusing, like legitimate prescription medications.
To be that source of support- that person trying to help a loved one dealing with addiction- it’s important to remove the stigma of seeking help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has resources to help educate about addiction and different treatment options.
On a societal level, it’s also important we work to provide more support as a community. Jacksonville is host to a program called “Project Save Lives”, which works to provide coordinated services and support for people dealing with opioid addiction and abuse, with the goal of preventing fatalities. Prior to the pandemic, this program was seeing a high level of success.
Ready to find your therapist? Search the Jax Therapy Network and find help with addiction or substance abuse with professional therapy and addiction counseling support.
