Covid – 19 and the Rise in Overdose

According to the CDC there were over 81,000 overdose deaths in the United States between May 2019 – May 2020 ( many more since) the highest reported number ever in a 12 month period. Overdose deaths were already on the rise in the preceding years. The latest number suggests an acceleration due to the Covid – 19 pandemic.

What can we do? This increase highlights the need for essential recovery and support services to remain accessible for people suffering from substance abuse disorder and those in recovery. The number of relapse is up also.

Not all overdoses have to end in death. Everyone has a role to play.

• Learn about the risks of opioids.
• Intervene Early
• Expand the distribution of Naloxone (Narcan)
• Learn about naloxone, its availability, and how to use it.
• Help people struggling with opioid use disorder to find the right care and treatment.

With this information in mind, this Drug Epidemic is not going away. We as families and loved ones must educate ourselves. Lotus Behavioral Health will be host a Narcan Training and Give Away . Details to be released at a later date, so be on the look out. It is important that every household that has someone at risk of an overdose to have Narcan Kits readily available. You can save their life!