Pandemic fuels addiction rise

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

The coronavirus pandemic has had an obvious impact on businesses, restaurants, sports and schools, but health officials are warning of another dire situation.

According to doctors and clinics specializing in substance abuse treatment, drug relapses and overdose deaths are on the rise because COVID-19 fears are preventing people from seeking treatment.

Due to funding cuts and shutdowns ordered by government officials, clinics are being forced to alter the ways they help patients seeking treatment for substance abuse.

Jennifer Smith, secretary for the state’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, recently told the House Human Services Committee in Harrisburg about the obstacles drug and alcohol treatment facilities have been facing.

“Just as any state agency or business throughout Pennsylvania, the drug and alcohol field has experienced challenges associated with COVID-19,” Smith said. “Examples of challenges include the need for adequate personal protective equipment, reduced census in treatment programs, barriers to warm hand-off protocols, and the isolating nature of the mitigation efforts.”

According to Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance, the state has seen a spike in overdose deaths. Early data estimated that overdoses were up about l8%, but later reports suggested that number could be as high as 42%. 

The alliance reports that as many as 75,000 people might die from suicide or an overdose of alcohol triggered by the uncertainty and unemployment caused by the pandemic. 

According to the alliance, there has been a dramatic increase in national alcohol sales. The alliance said sales were up 55% in March, fueling concerns about increased substance misuse to cope with the stresses of COVID-19.

“There’s been anecdotal information that it’s been very difficult for individuals,” said Kellie McKevitt, CEO of Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services. “We’ve seen more people with depression and difficulty maintaining sobriety. We were concerned when individuals were let out of jails. We also noticed how people spent their $1,200 government stimulus funds on drugs and alcohol. It’s hard when you’re in early recovery.”

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