• About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

Harris HouseHarris House
  • About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate
Standing next to a window wearing a protective face mask

Pandemic Social Distancing Increases Opioid Overdose Deaths

September 30, 2021 Posted by marketing Abuse, Addiction, Trauma

Opioid overdoseOverview:
A simulation conducted by Massachusetts researchers found that necessary COVID-19 protections such as social distancing and quarantine may be increasing the number of opioid overdose deaths. Safety protocols can interfere with accepted intervention practice to prevent opioid overdoses by affecting the quality of the illicit narcotics supply and limiting access to emergency health measures.

A Pandemic of Loneliness

Human beings rely on social networks and engagement to protect their mental health and maintain emotional connection. Research has found that loneliness and isolation can have severe effects on mental health, including substance use disorders.

Unfortunately, loneliness has been an unavoidable consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to social distancing and isolation measures, people have felt disconnected even from close friends and family members. That loneliness can have profound consequences for people in recovery from opioid abuse.

A Model Of Disaster

Researchers in Massachusetts created a simulation that looked strictly at access to medication such as naloxone to assist in opioid use disorder and how social distancing and quarantine would affect it. Troublingly, every scenario they ran found an elevated risk of overdose due to lack of access.

Standing next to a window wearing a protective face maskAccording to the study’s authors, even the model’s worst-case scenario is likely an underestimate: “We likely underestimate the full impact of COVID-19 by not modeling changes to drug supply, social isolation, reduced effectiveness of naloxone, or reduced access to emergency medical services.” Unfortunately, this observation is borne out by statistics on the ground.

The CDC’s provisional drug overdose data has found a nearly 30% increase in overdoses in 2020, a rise of more than 20,000 deaths. Sadly, this is the highest number that’s been recorded, and opioids accounted for almost all of the increase.

There are several reasons the pandemic has driven an inter-connected epidemic of overdoses:

  • Strained available health care systems.  The pandemic has made health care more difficult to access.
  • Supply chain factors. While legitimate supply chains have experienced shortages, illicit drugs have become easier to access. As a result, drugs like fentanyl, which are more powerful and more likely to cause overdose, can be easier to find.
  • Severe emotional setbacks. Events such as compromised health or the death of a key member of a support network have led to higher risk of relapse.
  • Strained mental health systems. With mental health services harder to access in an atmosphere of greater stress and personal chaos, those in recovery face greater struggles and increased temptation. 

How Loved-Ones Can Help 

Creating a supportive environment for those in recovery is key to maintaining that recovery. Nobody should risk their mental health for their physical health, so safety protocols should be respected.

Within those bounds, concerned friends and family members can help a recovering loved-one create a network of support through a variety of channels. Research supports a combination of online support groups and talk therapy paired with exercises and training programs to reduce feelings of isolation and depression.

If you know someone in recovery who needs compassionate support to make it through the extended hardships caused by the pandemic, Harris House can help. Contact us to learn more about the inpatient and outpatient programs we offer.

Share
0

About marketing

This author hasn't written their bio yet.
marketing has contributed 16 entries to our website, so far.View entries by marketing

    You also might be interested in

    Hope for Recovery is Alive!

    Apr 2, 2016

    There is always hope, and always an opportunity for you[...]

    Growing Gratitude in the Garden of Your Mind

    Apr 19, 2016

    You don’t have to pretend that negative things don’t exist.[...]

    How Trauma Affects the Brain

    Apr 11, 2016

    Psychological trauma occurs when it is not possible to process[...]

    Recent Posts

    • A Guide to Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Centers
    • What to Look for When Searching for the Right Rehab Facilities in St. Louis
    • The Benefits of a Holistic Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Addiction – The Solution You’ve Been Searching For
    • What to Expect from Your 28-Day Residential Treatment Program
    • The Difference Between Intensive Inpatient Therapy (24-Hour Drug Rehab Centers) and Other Facilities

    Insurance Providers

    Substance use insurance coverage and benefits can be multifaceted and will vary with the different insurance companies and plans. The Harris House Insurance Department has experience working with insurance providers to get our clients the maximum benefits possible. Let our staff do the work for you. LEARN MORE

    Insurance Providers Insurance Providers Insurance Providers

    Credentialing Partners

    Harris House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Harris House is also certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, approved by the Better Business Bureau as an A+ accredited charity and a proud member of United Way of Greater St. Louis. LEARN MORE

    DMH Carf BBB United Way

    Contact Us

    Let your recovery begin

    We're here to help.

    Please reach out with any questions

    CONTACT US

    314-631-4299

    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate

    Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

    Harris HouseHarris House
    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate
    About Us
    Treatments
    Resources
    Gallery
    Contact Us
    Donate

    For individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs, Harris House helps people achieve sobriety and become healthy and productive individuals. Since our founding in 1961, Harris House has grown to become a top-rated non-profit treatment center.

    CALL US TODAY

    314-631-4299

    2706 S. River Rd
    St. Charles, MO 63303

    8315 South Broadway
    St. Louis, MO 63111

    © 2023 HARRIS HOUSE FOUNDATION.

    Prev Next