Substance Use and Isolation
A recent report from the CDC cited a “concerning acceleration” of opioid-related overdoses. Synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) appear to be the primary driver.
Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.
“Addiction is often referred to as a disease of isolation, and overcoming that challenge has only become more difficult during a pandemic that has forced people indoors — in some cases to live lonely lives, with drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the stress.” — New York Times
Learn what you can do if you or someone you care about is increasing drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
75 percent of all people with a history of trauma have an alcohol use disorder.
The Impact of Shame and Stigma
When we only look at the symptoms or the addiction a person is struggling with, we dismiss the individual and what has led them to this point in their lives.
The risk of addiction is especially high when opioids are used to manage chronic pain over a long period of time. Older adults are at higher risk of accidental misuse or abuse because they typically have multiple prescriptions and chronic diseases.
“The interface between the legitimate medical use of opioids to provide analgesia and the phenomena associated with abuse and addiction continues to challenge the clinical community, leading to uncertainty about the appropriate role of these drugs in the treatment of pain.” — National Library of Medicine
Prescription opioids and heroin are chemically similar and can produce a similar high. In some places, heroin is cheaper and easier to get than prescription opioids, so some people switch to using heroin instead.
Pain from the Past
Alcohol or substance addiction is a very common path in trying to deal with pain from the past, yet people with addictions are often shamed for lacking the willpower to make better choices.
A substantial portion of individuals who enter treatment for substance addiction report a history of trauma and mental health issues. Child abuse, violence, sexual trauma, and PTSD are all risk factors for addiction later in life and up to 75 percent of all people with a history of trauma have an alcohol use disorder.
Taking care of your mental health
You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Canyonlands Healthcare offers affordable counseling and behavioral health services by telehealth. Call 1-877-645-9675 to make an appointment or view our location numbers here.
