During COVID-19, drug overdose deaths increased in the United States.  Many reasons could have contributed to this: isolation, fear of the virus, anxiety, depression.  However, even before COVID-19, barriers existed that prevented people from getting help.  To some, there is a stigma that those who have a substance abuse problem and need treatment have self-inflicted this crisis or are somehow not deserving of our compassion.  Drug addiction or substance use disorder is a diagnosable disease and is recognized by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. 

In the last several years, Fentanyl has made an entrance into the drug scene and for some they don’t even know it.  Fentanyl is described by the CDC as an “extremely powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine.”  Illegal drugs are being laced with Fentanyl.  The substance has no taste, can’t be smelled and can’t be seen so it’s nearly impossible to know if a drug has been laced.  This has led to nearly a 30% increase in overdose deaths. 

The good news is there is help available and we can diminish the stigma that some may feel by reaching out to get their life back.   Showing compassion and support for those who are struggling with addiction and make the decision to get help can help aid in their recovery and break that barrier.  Everyone’s recovery will look different and some may experience relapses and setbacks, but we can do our part by continuing to show encouragement for their success.    

There are different options when it comes to treatment, but all start out the same: asking for help.  After that, an assessment can be completed and a treatment plan can be tailored for the patient to maximize recovery and success.  Different counseling options are available such as individual and group, and some may benefit from medication-assisted treatment.  Others may need an inpatient residential setting and detoxification or withdrawal therapy. 

In the past 20 years, drug overdoses have taken 900,000 lives.  Let’s try to share the message of hope and recovery and encourage those who are struggling with addiction to seek help.