Drug overdose deaths set a record in the United States in the 12 months leading up to last spring’s pandemic blockades – and Oregon followed the worrying trend.
More than 81,000 people died in the United States from drug overdoses in the 12 months preceding June 2020 – the highest number ever recorded in a year, the Oregon Health Authority reported on Wednesday. The data comes from a new report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report concluded that the economic shocks and requests to stay at home that began in March with the new coronavirus spread across the country contributed to the high numbers, stating that “disruption in daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use difficult. “
Oregon saw 580 deaths from official drug overdoses during the 12 months highlighted in the report. The state has a population of just over 4 million; the US population is about 330 million.
The Oregon Health Authority notes that overdose deaths increased dramatically in Oregon during the second quarter of 2020, increasing more than 60% over the same period last year.
“Food insecurity and interruptions in access to safe housing and mental health services have aggravated the stress caused by job losses, school and social isolation and other problems caused by the pandemic,” said state health deputy Dr. Tom Jeanne, in an OHA statement. “The COVID crisis has also disrupted the ways in which people with substance use disorders can get help, such as mental health services, 12-step programs and outpatient visits.”
Most Oregon drug deaths involved opioids, with illegal fentanyl and methamphetamine overdoses increasing significantly during the second quarter of 2020.
State health officials emphasize that “opioid use disorder can be successfully treated” and encourage people fighting drug abuse to call the Never Use Alone hotline (800-484-3731) or the hotline. Safe + Strong help desk (800-923-4357) for support and referral for drug counseling.
– Douglas Perry