CDC Warns of Surge in Drug Overdose Deaths During COVID-19

Stephenson, Joan

doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.0001

Cited by 32 publications

(22 citation statements)

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“…Most overdose deaths are currently being driven by unregulated fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in the street-based opioid supply, with recent data indicating that fentanyl was a direct contributor to mortality in 87% of opioid-related deaths occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario [11]. Similar reports have been documented by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, which state that over 80,000 overdose related deaths occurred across the United States from May 2019 to May 2020, with a substantial increase documented between the months of March and May 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic [12]. Additionally, unregulated benzodiazepines such as etizolam & flurazepam are being increasingly detected in fentanyl samples by drug-checking programs and during post-mortem toxicology, highlighting the volatility of the unregulated drug supply [13].…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 64%

A qualitative study on overdose response in the era of COVID-19 and beyond: how to spot someone so they never have to use alone

Perri

Kaminski

Bonn³

et al. 2021

Harm Reduct J

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Background Spotting is an informal practice among people who use drugs (PWUD) where they witness other people using drugs and respond if an overdose occurs. During COVID-19 restrictions, remote spotting (e.g., using a telephone, video call, and/or a social media app) emerged to address physical distancing requirements and reduced access to harm reduction and/or sexually transmitted blood borne infection (STBBI’s) prevention services. We explored spotting implementation issues from the perspectives of spotters and spottees. Methods Research assistants with lived/living expertise of drug use used personal networks and word of mouth to recruit PWUD from Ontario and Nova Scotia who provided or used informal spotting. All participants completed a semi-structured, audio-recorded telephone interview about spotting service design, benefits, challenges, and recommendations. Recordings were transcribed and thematic analysis was used. Results We interviewed 20 individuals between 08/2020–11/2020 who were involved in informal spotting. Spotting was provided on various platforms (e.g., telephone, video calls, and through texts) and locations (e.g. home, car), offered connection and community support, and addressed barriers to the use of supervised consumption sites (e.g., location, stigma, confidentiality, safety, availability, COVID-19 related closures). Spotting calls often began with setting an overdose response plan (i.e., when and who to call). Many participants noted that, due to the criminalization of drug use and fear of arrest, they preferred that roommates/friends/family members be called instead of emergency services in case of an overdose. Both spotters and spottees raised concerns about the timeliness of overdose response, particularly in remote and rural settings. Conclusion Spotting is a novel addition to, but not replacement for, existing harm reduction services. To optimize overdose/COVID-19/STBBI’s prevention services, additional supports (e.g., changes to Good Samaritan Laws) are needed. The criminalization of drug use may limit uptake of formal spotting services.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 64%

A qualitative study on overdose response in the era of COVID-19 and beyond: how to spot someone so they never have to use alone

Perri

Kaminski

Bonn³

et al. 2021

Harm Reduct J

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“…15 Similar findings have been reported across the United States where reports indicate that there were over 81,230 drug-related deaths in the year leading up to May 2020, with the highest percentages occurring between March 2020 and May 2020 as a result of COVID-19. 16 Experiences with drug and COVID-19 related morbidities, mirrored with the lack of available services has left many PWUD relying on emergency rooms for care. 17 This lack of availability has escalated drug-related harms internationally, with reports from contexts as diverse as Bangalore and the United Kingdom indicating an increase in alcohol and substance-related withdrawal symptoms.…”

Section: What Are the Health Impacts Of Covid-19 On People Who Use Drugs?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing a digital health strategy for people who use drugs: Lessons from COVID-19

et al. 2021

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COVID-19 has significantly exacerbated negative health and social outcomes for people who use drugs (PWUD) around the world. The closure of harm reduction services, ongoing barriers to employment and housing, and pre-existing physical and mental health conditions have increased harms for diverse communities of PWUD. Adapting current models of health and human service delivery to better meet the needs of PWUD is essential in minimizing not only COVID-19 but also drug-related morbidity and mortality. This article draws on research, practice, and advocacy experiences, and discusses the potential for digital health tools such as remote monitoring and telecare to improve the continuum of care for PWUD. We call for a digital health strategy for PWUD and provide recommendations for future program development and implementation.

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“…The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has alerted public health departments, health care professionals, and first responders of “a concerning acceleration of the increase in drug overdose deaths” coinciding with the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and has said that the surge in deaths was driven primarily by a rapid rise in overdose deaths caused by synthetic opioids. 1 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do Hospital Visit Restrictions Cause Increase in the Doses of Morphine in Terminal Care? Spiritual Pain and Palliative Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kawamura

Miyata

Kawaguchi

et al. 2022

The American Journal of Medicine

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CDC Warns of Surge in Drug Overdose Deaths During COVID-19

Cited by 32 publications

References 0 publications

A qualitative study on overdose response in the era of COVID-19 and beyond: how to spot someone so they never have to use alone

A qualitative study on overdose response in the era of COVID-19 and beyond: how to spot someone so they never have to use alone

Developing a digital health strategy for people who use drugs: Lessons from COVID-19

Do Hospital Visit Restrictions Cause Increase in the Doses of Morphine in Terminal Care? Spiritual Pain and Palliative Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic

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