America’s Other Deadly Epidemic

Number of Fatal Drug Overdoses Climbs Sharply in U.S.

Many will remember 2020 as a year of endless and sometimes painful challenges.

From a deadly pandemic to job losses, isolation, the loss of social connections, and more, it was a difficult time.

Sadly, it was also a year marked by a record number of drug overdose deaths.

In the 12 months ending in May (covering only the first few month of the pandemic), over 81,000 Americans lost their lives to a drug overdose.

According to the CDC, that is the highest number of such deaths ever recorded in 12 months in the United States.

Beyond the loss of treatment options during the pandemic, other factors have contributed to the rise.

One major contributor – fentanyl. Its use during this time rose by almost 40%.

Thirty-seven of thirty-eight CDC jurisdictions in the U.S. reported increases in synthetic opioid-involved overdose deaths, with 18 of these jurisdictions reporting an increase greater than 50%. Western states have been particularly hard hit.

And the devastation is attributed to more than opioids alone.

Overdose deaths involving cocaine have risen by 26.5%. It’s believed these deaths are linked to the simultaneous use of cocaine and illicitly manufactured fentanyl or heroin. And overdose deaths involving psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, jumped 34.8%.

And to repeat – that was just through May 2020. Most addiction specialists expect that between June and December 2020 – matters have only grown more dire.

Aware Recovery Care has been sounding the alarm about this hidden crisis for months, all while doubling our efforts to focus best-in-class, COVID safe treatment protocols on those most in need in the states we serve (CT, MA, NH, ME, and FL).

If you’re struggling with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol during this endless pandemic and need help in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida, or Southern Maine, the recovery teams at Aware Recovery Care are here to help. Our unique model of care is giving clients a significantly better chance of recovery when compared to traditional inpatient rehab care. To learn more, please contact one of our Recovery Specialists.