1,2,8-12 In December 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory highlighting provisional data indicating a substantial increase in overdose deaths beginning in 2019 and accelerating in early 2020, and called for essential services to remain accessible for those at risk of overdose. Multiple reports indicate drug overdoses have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4,5 These consequences, combined with interruptions and changes in illicit drug supply, 6 possibly contributed to increased fatal overdose risk for persons who use drugs (PWUD). 3 The pandemic and vital public health mitigation measures designed to reduce disease spread potentially led to unintended social and economic consequences (e.g., depression, health care disruption), which can increase overdose risk. 1, 2 The COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency on Maand during March 1–May 31, 2020, 42 states and territories issued mandatory stay-at-home orders. in 2020, a 30% increase from 2019, which began accelerating in March 2020. There were 91,799 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Efforts to address missed touchpoints and opportunities for intervention (e.g., ensuring continuity of treatment for substance use disorders and addressing mental health impacts) for persons who use drugs are essential to prevent rises in overdose deaths during future emergencies.Missed touchpoints and intervention opportunities identified were lack or spatial separation of bystanders, changes in treatment for substance use disorders, cancellation or postponement of other medical appointments, and early release from criminal justice system.Commonly noted physical and mental impacts that may have contributed to increased overdose deaths included depression, stress, anxiety, job loss, financial strain, and altered living arrangements due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis. Two overarching COVID-19-related themes were identified among overdose decedents during January–June 2020: physical and mental impacts of the pandemic and missed touchpoints or opportunities for intervention.
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