Health officials worry COVID-19 could worsen drug abuse, overdoses

Health officials say added stress from the COVID-19 pandemic can trigger a relapse for those in recovery from addiction, and using drugs alone because of social distancing means that no one is there to call for help or administer the lifesaving drug naloxone to reverse an overdose (Source: “Health officials fear COVID-19 could trigger rise in drug overdoses,” Columbus Dispatch, April 20, 2020).

While a spike in overdoses hasn’t been widespread in Ohio, health officials say the pandemic has increased the risk of drug abuse.

While anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in drug overdoses in some areas, the statewide impact won’t be known for some time as county medical examiners say they typically wait six to eight weeks for the toxicology reports needed to confirm a cause of death.

Treatment, including medications, remains available. But to overcome social distancing orders, health officials say they have had to adjust the ways they reach those in need. Clinics are offering telehealth services, hotlines have been expanded, and naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is being delivered to people’s homes.