The Opioid Epidemic, the CDC (June 2021) says, can be broken into 3 waves: The first, beginning in the late 1990s when the number of prescriptions for opioid medications increased, the 2nd, beginning around 2010 when heroin deaths rose dramatically, and the 3rd and most recent wave, beginning in 2013 with a rise in overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids, most notably, fentanyl and fentanyl analogs. Though the numbers of deaths had begun to decrease in 2018, things took a turn for the worse in the 12 months between June 2019 and May 2020 (CDC E Prep, nd.). There was an 18.2% increase in overdoses with the most significant jump occurring from March to May 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 shelter-at-home protocols.
Texas is not considered a high use state when it comes to opioids, but it hasn’t been exempt from the crisis. Like other states across the nation, Texas reported decreasing overdose numbers between 2017 and 2018, but in the 12 months between June 2019 and May 2020, overdose deaths, specifically related to synthetic opioids jumped more than 50% in the state (CDC E Prep, nd).
While anxiety and social isolation played respective roles in the increased numbers, there were other factors contributing to the crisis in Texas and nationwide. Beginning in the spring of 2020 and continuing over the course of the pandemic:
- Some treatment centers restricted their patient intakes, while others were forced to close their doors for good (Harrison, 2020 and Weber, 2020); both issues restricted access to appropriate care for those in need.
- Some treatment programs were able to shift to telehealth offerings, which while useful and even preferable to some patients was inaccessible to others.
- Though physicians continued to work during the pandemic and emergency rooms were open, people were less likely to seek help from either of these sources either due to fear of contracting COVID or because medical care, in the face of unemployment, was unaffordable (Abelson, 2020), so referrals to substance-use-specific care that could have happened, didn’t.
- Community support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous shut their doors or went online, cutting off access for some to the only affordable sober network available to them.
Will March 2020 someday be called the beginning of the 4th wave of the Opioid Crisis? Maybe. That’s for the CDC and others to decide, and economic and social factors, including health care management and availability, will certainly play roles. What matters right now is that people suffering from opioid misuse and addiction get the help they need before it’s too late. If you or someone you know are struggling with opioids or any other chemicals, please reach out for help. Below are some links and phone numbers that may be useful to you.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration offers an online treatment locator you can use to find a treatment center near you. They also operate a national helpline at 1-800-662-4357. The helpline is free and available 24/7.
- Narcotics Anonymous groups offer online and in-person meetings. These meetings are free and many groups in bigger cities offer several meetings per day.
- The Veteran’s Crisis Line, which is free and available 24/7 is 1-800-273-8255. They also accept texts at 83825, and you can chat online with a professional.
- Psychology Today offers a Therapist Locator through their website. You can search therapists in your area and explore their areas of expertise including substance use and addiction.
You are also welcome to reach out to us here at Luna Recovery Centers. We are available by phone at 1-888-448-LUNA and via confidential chat here on the website.
*If you are experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms or feel that you or someone you love has overdosed on any drug, opioids or otherwise, please call 911 or visit the closest emergency room or urgent care center.
Dr. Allaire received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, as Valedictorian of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and his Medical Doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He is the medical monitor for the Physician Counseling Committee of the Harris County Medical Society and the Medical Director of Serenity House Detox. Dr. Allaire specializes in medically assisted detox cases, treating patients in recovery from addiction or other mental health disorders, the medical assessment and monitoring of patients with addictive disorders, medical care related to eating disorders and the medical treatment of patients with mental health conditions.
