Pandemic isolation, fentanyl cause spike in opioid-related deaths, experts say
The Galveston County Daily News, December 10, 2021
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago, the country already was facing a different crisis—an opioid epidemic. And as shutdowns and working from home spread, the opioid epidemic worsened as many who struggled with opioid use found themselves isolated from support and spiraling in their addictions, experts say. “All of this physical distancing and this social distancing has impacted the ability to get treatment, remain in treatment and have their support systems in place,” said Dr. Kathryn Cunningham, director of the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Addiction Research.