Substance Use Has Risen During COVID-19 Pandemic

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased number of people misusing drugs and dying from drug overdoses.
• There were more than 99,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in the first year of the pandemic; an increase of nearly 30% from the year before.
• Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the Senate to reauthorize and improve existing programs that address treatment for substance use and mental health. 

Substance use and drug overdose deaths greatly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Social isolation and increased anxiety also caused more Americans to say they were struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

substance use and overdose deaths increase

In the first full year of the pandemic in the United States, through April 2021, the CDC says that more than 99,000 people died from drug overdoses. This represents an increase of nearly 30% from the 77,000 who died in the previous 12 months. The CDC also reported that approximately 75% of overdose deaths during the pandemic’s first year were tied to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. There has also been an increase in the abuse of many other drugs since the pandemic began in 2020, including heroine, methamphetamines, and cocaine.

Overdose Deaths in COVID’s First Year

Overdose deaths in the United States were already increasing prior to the pandemic, with synthetic opioids playing a large role. Factors related to the pandemic, such as social isolation, stress, and decreased access to substance use disorder treatment and emergency services made the problem worse.

supporting patient access to care

Responding to the unprecedented challenges, last month members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee announced their intention to work on bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and improve federal mental health and substance use disorder programs. On February 1, the committee held a hearing on mental health and substance use disorders to highlight the challenges that families, children, and communities are facing.

Certified community behavioral health clinics also play an important role in helping people to get the treatment they need. These clinics fill a gap in the health system and currently serve nearly 1.5 million Americans. Reports show that CCBHCs have increased access to care, reduced hospitalizations, and decreased expensive emergency room visits. Patients can get personalized, comprehensive care without having to navigate a complex health system. The Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021 was introduced to expand the model to more states.