The opioid epidemic has gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control Thursday.
“The disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield.
The CDC reported Thursday that, based on provisional data, over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020. That is the largest number of opioid deaths in a 12-month span.
Deaths due to synthetic opioids jumped 38.4%, the largest increase of any drug. Deaths from cocaine increased 26.5%.
The CDC said that overdose deaths were increasing prior to the pandemic but added that “the latest numbers suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic.”
That is consistent with findings from Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, a federal initiative that collects data from ambulance teams, hospitals, and police. It found that overdose deaths jumped 18% in March from the previous March. April and May saw even sharper increases, of 29% and 42%, respectively.
The pandemic has interfered with addicts’ ability to get daily medication and attend support groups.
