COVID-19 Impact on the Opioid Crisis

Opioid addiction was already a crisis before COVID-19. Months later, where are we now?

The Overdose detection mapping application program reports that opioid overdoses increased in March 2020 by 18% compared to the same month in 2019, 29% in April 2020, and 42% in May 2020.

In 2019, the United States experienced a record of almost 71,000 opioid-related deaths. But in 2020, over 40 states have already reported an increase in opioid-related deaths during the pandemic.

“Drug users are doubly vulnerable right now. They are vulnerable in terms of increased risk of relapse, increased risk of misuse during the pandemic, but they’re also at increased risk for being infected by Covid and having adverse reactions to Covid,” said Dr Magdalene Cerda.

Due to the pandemic, many rehab centers and short-term housing have closed. This further hampers the recovery process for drug users.

Cerda is calling for all means of support for drug users: social and economic benefits, such as workplaces with sustained unemployment benefits, mental health, and substance abuse care. As an employer, you can be the first step in helping an addict recover.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you work with a professional, well-trained Representative who stays with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!