As the world reels from the 6.13 million lives lost directly to COVID-19, new research reveals the extent that the pandemic’s toll has reached, and it goes well beyond the disease itself. In the pandemic’s first year, from 2019 to 2020, the number of Americans who died from alcohol-related causes increased by 25%, as most forms of normalcy, routine, treatment access, and coping skills were either disrupted or eradicated during this time. 

The pandemic has drastically disrupted work, home, and social life, and among these changes were America’s relationship with alcohol. The 25% increase in alcohol-related deaths was represented among all age groups, starting with age 16, ethnicities, genders, and races, but young adults ages 25 to 44 experienced the most significant increase. In fact, for adults younger than 65 years old, alcohol-related deaths outnumbered COVID-19 deaths, 74,408 to 74,075. Additionally, the study, conducted by researchers with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), found that the rate of alcohol-related deaths, including deaths from liver disease and accidents, outpaced the increase of death from all causes.

Changes In Alcohol Consumption During The Pandemic

To offset widespread fear, frustration, and social isolation rampant during the pandemic, many turned to alcohol to self-soothe. In the first month of the stay-at-home orders in March of 2020, national alcohol sales rose 54%, and some states even allowed restaurants and similar on-premises retailers to sell carry-out alcohol beverages. As more individuals found themselves stuck at home with amplified stressors, minimal coping strategies, and increased alcohol availability, the frequency of alcohol consumption increased by 14% compared to the previous year, according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Increased alcohol consumption was a developing trend predating the pandemic, as were mental health struggles, but the conditions of the pandemic made individuals more susceptible to substance abuse. 

However, the pandemic particularly impacted women and parents with young children regarding alcohol consumption. Women have disproportionately taken on the responsibility of child care, home management, and children’s education since the pandemic, so it reasons that women have increased their use of alcohol disproportionately. What may have started as an additional glass of wine with dinner turned into a 41% increase in the number of days women are drinking heavily or consuming 4 or more drinks within a short time. Those without children faced their own struggles as many experienced increased rates of isolation and loneliness, which are factors related to increased alcohol consumption. 

Drug Overdoses Rise Alongside Alcohol-Related Deaths

In conjunction with rising alcohol-related deaths, the number of Opioid overdoses involving alcohol increased by 40.8% in 2020, and there was a 59.2% increase in overdoses involving alcohol and synthetic Opioids like Fentanyl. While rates of Opioid overdoses have been on the incline in recent years, the pandemic only exacerbated these trends due to several factors, including increased isolation, stress, and a lack of treatment and support resources due to lockdown stipulations. 

Additionally, drug overdose deaths reached a record high during the pandemic’s first year, with over 100,000 Americans dying from overdoses within 12 months. This increase, much like the increase in alcohol-related deaths, can be linked to the loss of access to treatment, increased mental health issues, and the availability of potentially lethal substances. The rise in overdose deaths was primarily due to the widespread use of Fentanyl, but stimulants like Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and natural and semi-synthetic Opioids, such as prescription pain medication, also factored into increased rates. 

Loss Of Access To Treatment

Not only were individuals unable to connect with loved ones during quarantine, those who were in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) suddenly found themselves without multiple resources as treatment facilities closed temporarily. Those who may have already been struggling with sobriety could not attend in-person support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or receive addiction treatment medicine from clinics. Treatment facilities across the US shut their doors in compliance with COVID-19 safety regulations, and health care providers struggled to tend to the onslaught of coronavirus patients, potentially deterring individuals from pursuing treatment for substance abuse. This rapid severance of treatment left many individuals experiencing a SUD reeling and struggling to find support.

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This disruption of recovery treatment could lead individuals to resort back to old coping mechanisms, including using substances. “Stress is the primary factor in relapse, and there is no question there was a big increase in self-reported stress, and big increases in anxiety and depression,” said Aaron White, the senior scientific adviser at the NIAAA. These increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety that the pandemic has instilled in people only increases the risk of relapse in those struggling with substance abuse. 

Entering the third March of the pandemic, it is still unclear if alcohol-related deaths will decrease as the pandemic wanes. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lax, many can physically access treatment centers, attend support group meetings, and connect with loved ones, so researchers are hopeful to see a reduction in alcohol-related deaths. 

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Dr. Susan Thompson, weight loss expert and professor of brain science, declared in an op-ed published January 3 that, “we are literally eating ourselves to death.”

According to Dr. Thompson, “It isn’t real food, it is the packaged, highly refined, chemically laden products marketed to us as ‘food’ that are killing us, and will continue to do so until we reframe what is being perpetrated on consumers in terms of addiction.”

The evidence on whether Americans agree with the notion that obesity, which kills almost 3 million people a year globally, could be the byproduct of addiction, is mixed.

On one hand, research has shown that growing numbers of both everyday Americans and medical professionals view obesity as more of a societal problem than a personal one. On the other hand, one survey found that 75% of respondents attributed obesity to a failure of willpower; this is how, at one time, drug and alcohol use disorders were viewed as well.

That so many view such a massive and shared community health issue as obesity as a private moral failing may confirm that obesity is, in fact, the result of addiction (since the thinking is a paradigm that’s been applied to other addictions in the past).

But if it’s not one’s personal willpower that is to blame for unhealthy amounts of weight, what is — and what is the scope of the problem in today’s landscape?

Americans More Obese Than Ever

Half of the population is now obese, meaning they have a “Body Mass Index” (BMI) that is higher than 30. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and though BMI empowers individuals to evaluate whether or not they are obese, BMI “does not diagnose body fatness.”

An individual, therefore, could conceivably be medically obese but still not be body-fat; for the vast majority of those who fall within the designation of obese, however, this is not the case.

Body-fat obesity does not necessarily have to be linked to shame or personal failing in the way that many Americans’ beliefs indicate it perhaps should be; corporations that have spent millions, if not billions, on advertising an idealized body image just to turn around and sell Americans the “cure” for embarrassment, shame, or body dysmorphia are likely at least somewhat responsible for this belief having taken root in the first place.

It can’t be denied, however, that the threat to America posed by obesity has ballooned. The rate of obesity was 20 points lower at the turn of the millennium; so-called “severe obesity” has more than doubled since that time. For the public health impact of that growth, one need merely turn on the news — although it’s probable that a close friend or family member, if not oneself, is as good an anecdotal example as any.

Statistics quantify the risks of ill health likely already observable in acquaintances; a study published in Obesity Reviews in August of last year found that obese people are 46% more likely to get COVID and 113% more likely to become hospitalized. Non-COVID health complications also apply; the Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health has reported that obesity raises the risk of stroke by 64%, raises the risk of premature death from coronary artery disease in women by 62% (and by a comparable amount in men), and is correlated with a 42% higher risk of Alzheimer’s (among many other risks).

Media Linking Obesity To COVID

In accordance with the above statistics, CNN has now published a report linking obesity to COVID, stating that, “People who are overweight or obese are at a much higher risk of much more severe disease and even death from Covid-19,” and going on to identify obesity as “the second leading cause of preventable death, after smoking.”

The outlet has faced some criticism from others, like Fox News, who called the subject of the article “a connection already well-known from data compiled earlier in the pandemic,” and reported that there have been “recent pushes by some…outlets against the airing of negative views on the body image of those who are overweight.”

If negative body image perceptions result in shame, disempowerment, or otherwise unpleasant feelings that don’t serve their feeler, then those perceptions need not be made valid – it’s a scientific fact, however, that obesity is claiming lives.

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Obesity, Mental Health Conditions Co-Occur

Obesity can co-occur with a variety of other conditions. For one thing, sugar addiction (often viewed as a behavioral addiction, though sugar is in and of itself an addictive substance – per Dr. Thompson, “sugar can be more addictive than cocaine”) may coincide with obesity.

Anxiety and symptoms of depression can also co-occur with obesity; the latter may contribute to the former (though the inverse may also be true).

Those looking to manage their weight and/or cut back on sugar have many options available to them. Avoiding processed foods, eating more leafy greens, managing the calculus of calories consumed versus calories burned, and seeking out so-called “good fats” (like the kind that can be contained by fish, nuts, and avocado) can be a strong way to move to a healthier weight and increase longevity along with quality of life.

For those who see food as a valuable part of life and/or a means of expression, and many do, considering the fact that wealthy corporations deliberately make processed foods addictive and unhealthy as a way of keeping consumers dependent and malleable may be helpful in viewing more nutritious choices in a different and more empowering light.

Eating healthily in 2022 could provide a host of mental and physical benefits; eating as well as is within one’s means to do could be a powerful way to make the most of one’s own dietary privilege.

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdose deaths in the United States hit a record high of 93,331 in 2020. According to a National Center for Health Statistics report, there was a 29% spike in drug-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts over 250 people died daily due to overdose.  

Unfortunately, the news came as no surprise. Over a year ago, medical professionals and addiction treatment specialists warned about the possible surge of substance abuse cases due to lockdowns. According to experts, the lack of addiction treatment access, stress, and isolation would influence people to cope by using drugs or alcohol. As predicted, the nation’s COVID-19 pandemic made the Opioid epidemic worse. 

During the pandemic, drug overdoses increased everywhere, besides in New Hampshire and South Dakota. The jumps in rates were the highest they have been in the past 5 years. Statistics published by the CDC speculate around 60% of drug-related deaths were due to synthetic Opioids, specifically Fentanyl.

Overdoses Caused By Fentanyl Use 

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic Opioid 100 times stronger than Morphine. It is used to treat patients who have undergone surgery or are in severe pain. The medication is legal in the United States but not easily accessible due to federal regulations. Fentanyl is an excellent resource when used correctly, under a medical provider’s supervision.

Regrettably, Fentanyl is commonly misused. Much like other Opioids, many health care providers avoid prescribing the drug due to its highly addictive properties. Nearly 25% of patients prescribed Opioids for chronic pain abuse them, while 10% of those patients end up developing an Opioid use disorder. Today, around 10.1 million people mishandle Opioids a year.

Opioid’s addictive properties and the lack of access to the drug have created a market for illicitly manufactured Fentanyl. This vacuum led to the Opioid crisis’ third wave. In 1999, prescription painkillers drove the first wave, then Heroin in the early 2000s, and today Fentanyl. 

In recent years, the drug’s popularity has soared among criminals. Dealers and narcos are utilizing Fentanyl to drive their revenue. Unlike federally regulated synthetic Opioids, illegal fentanyl is not consistent. It is typically mixed with other drugs like Heroin or Cocaine to increase its potency. The imitation is then sold in pill, nasal spray, or powder form like its legal counterpart; just much stronger. It is also used to “cut” other drugs. Due to the lack of federal oversight or quality control, illegal Fentanyl is often lethal. 

Since 2013, synthetic Opioids like Fentanyl have caused the death of over 500,000 thousand Americans. The rise in potency in illicit Fentanyl and its proliferation is one reason why overdose deaths are accelerating and why last year they skyrocketed. For example, drug-related deaths in Kentucky climbed up to 54%, while in Vermont, the rate leaped to 58%. While the nation buckled in for a lengthy quarantine, the illegal sale of Fentanyl continued spreading throughout the country and ravaging our most vulnerable.

Post-Pandemic

Since 1999 the number of Opioid-related deaths has quadrupled. The upturn in overdoses highlights a need for treatment and prevention expansion. As life slowly returns to normal, people in need of treatment must have access to care. The Opioid epidemic is not over yet. Though the limelight has shined on COVID-19 and its variants, it is crucial to remember that others are still facing a personal battles against Opioids.

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In the United States, there are about 14,000+ substance abuse treatment facilities nationwide. If you or a loved one suspect you may have a substance use disorder, do not hesitate to reach out for help. It is important to seek treatment right away. 

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Many have noticed a trend of rising drug cases despite America’s 50-year War on Drugs campaign. According to drugpolicy.org, the War on Drugs started in the 1970s when President Nixon increased the size and number of federal drug control agencies. The intention was to inform the public on the danger of drugs, and reduce drug abuse and drug access in attempts to unite communities torn by drugs. Nixon also made Marijuana a Schedule One drug, which criminalized the drug. Despite the intent, many feel the War on Drugs campaign has not been effective.

According to the Drug Policy Alliance, the War on Drugs often targeted Black neighborhoods and those part of the hippie subculture that opposed the war. This shaped stereotypes that impacted both social groups. Presently, because of drug-related social associations, Black and LatinX populations still suffer discrimination, while many believe the War on Drugs has done little in controlling nationwide drug abuse. In recent years, officials have commented on the lack of fulfilled promises that drug policies were supposed to correct.

Trillions Spent To Stop Drug Usage

As of 1971, a trillion of taxpayer dollars have been spent to support America’s War on drugs, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania. While numbers of drug abuse have generally decreased between then and now, recent research has shown rises in drug abuse. The prevalence of the Opioid Epidemic has caused patients seeking care for chronic pain and ailments to become addicted to prescription Opioids. When their supply of medications end, or they crave stronger chemicals, some seek illicit alternatives like Heroin or Fentanyl. In some cases, some seeking Heroin get bad batches that can be laced with Fentanyl without their knowledge, creating a more intense addiction and increasing their risk for overdose.

CNBC notes that in 2019, the number of Americans age 12 and older who use illicit drugs rose to 13%. This number nearly reaches the highest it has been in 40 years. Many high schoolers find it easy to get drugs, and the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged higher numbers of substance abuse and mental health challenges, worsening co-occurring disorders. Research from The Commonwealth Fund estimates that there were 90,000 overdose deaths during 2020, revealing an alarming amount of substance abuse in the nation. Many predict the budget to control drug use an estimated $41 billion in the next year, compared to a little over 1 billion in 1981. Furthermore, the costs of inmates who are imprisoned for drug-related offenses amounts to $182 billion yearly.

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What Is Being Done?

Several challenges surround drug policies. Some of these range from the rise in drug abuse to discrimination Black and LatinX inmates face for drug-related prison sentences. Factors like racial discrimination, incarceration, and racial profiling shed light on racial disparities related to drug-related themes in the prison system. Ultimately, the ongoing drug problem in America tells of the need to heal addiction at its core, which is often complex. Many are considering solutions to ongoing drug challenges.

Treatment programs have been a focus for rehabilitating individuals battling addiction providing counseling, medication, and support groups. Additionally, education including Prescription Drug Overdose Programs are in effect. The program helps states purchase drugs like Naloxone for overdose prevention and reversal. Many officials have discussed approaching America’s drug abuse with compassion for reform. Lastly, the legalization of Marijuana has been a step to reduce drug-related incarceration, reducing related drug arrests.

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After an unprecedented amount of overdose deaths this past year, President Biden’s administration is prioritizing a non-traditional treatment approach to substance use disorders (SUD): harm reduction programs.

Pandemic Collides With Epidemic

In the past 12 months, the United States experienced a 30% increase in overdose deaths. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), this unparalleled uptick resulted in a record-breaking 90,000 drug related deaths. It is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this surge due to the nature of stay-at-home orders. When non-essential businesses were required to temporarily close last March, people all over the country were out of work and confined to their homes. For people who are currently or have previously suffered  from an addiction, the consequences of self-isolation were especially detrimental.

Many treatment centers across the country were forced to close but some did their best to provide help even though people were not allowed inside their facilities. Some centers offered supplies through pick up windows and curbside services. Along with treatment being less available, drugs became even more dangerous to use. Due to increased demand, illegal substances became more frequently cut with synthetic opioids like fentanyl which is now the most common drug present in overdose deaths at 59 percent in the U.S.

Biden’s Drug Policy Plan And Funding

Since being sworn into office in January, President Biden has made it clear that his goal is to lower the number of overdose deaths. To achieve this, Biden’s drug policy plan focuses on a treatment approach that the drug reform community has been recommending for years: evidence-based harm reduction.

The American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed in March of this year, includes a $4 billion budget for substance use disorders with $30 million allocated to harm reduction facilities. This act is unprecedented as Biden is the first to propose financially backing harm reduction programs despite being created over 40 years ago.

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What Is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction programs attempt to lower the risk of overdose death and diseases like HIV by reducing the harmful consequences affiliated with substance abuse. These non-judgmental, non-coercive programs are not driven by the abstinence from drugs but rather finding safer ways to use them. To establish safer situations, harm reduction programs provide items like sterile syringes and tools that can detect fentanyl in a substance. In doing so, these programs advocate for the rights of drug users and empower individuals to be responsible for reducing the negative effects that may come from their choice to use an illicit drug. Despite criticism, harm reduction programs do not attempt to understate the harms and danger that are at risk when using illicit drugs.

Widespread support for harm reduction programs has been hard to develop as many elected officials and communities are not sold on idea of giving out supplies for drug use. In West Virginia, where HIV numbers are on the rise, Governor Jim Justice passed a bill that will make it even harder for harm reduction centers to be successful. This restrictive bill requires that a West Virginia ID must be shown in order to receive treatment. The West Virginia bill and other oppositions are typically backed by the concern that their community will become littered with syringes or experience a spike in crime rates.

What Impact Will Increased Funding Have On Harm Reduction Programs?

By providing more funding to harm reduction programs, the American Rescue Plan will help to establish a sense of community and a resource for those suffering from an addiction. The increased overdose deaths and the absence of support and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic makes this funding even more significant. Additionally, harm reduction programs recognize the realities of racism, class, poverty, and other social inequalities and how they affect an individual’s vulnerability to drug related risks. This is important as marginalized populations in the United States experienced higher-than-normal COVID related deaths and unemployment rates. The funding of harm reduction programs can help communities that were disproportionally devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased number of drug overdose related deaths.

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On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, American Airlines joined Southwest and banned alcohol during flights. According to an internal memo sourced by CNN, American Airlines will not serve economy passengers alcohol mid-flight. The ban may last until September 13, 2021. Once the federal mask mandate for planes, airports, and other public transportation lifts, alcohol sales mid-flight are likely to resume. Business and first-class, however, will continue to receive alcohol service with no delays. 

The precautionary announcement curtails Southwest’s after a violent confrontation between a stewardess and passenger. During a flight from Sacramento, California, to San Diego, a flight attendant was attacked by a Southwest customer. The employee reportedly lost two teeth during the violent act. A different passenger caught the fight on camera, and it quickly went viral. 

In response to the alleged attack, Southwest quickly notified the public of a ban on alcohol sales during their flights. “Given a recent uptick industry-wide of incidents in-flight involving disruptive passengers, we’re pausing previously announced resumption of alcohol service onboard,” the airline said in a statement. American Airlines, as well as Delta, shortly followed.

The Rise In Airline Violence

Unfortunately, the altercation is only one of many. In the past few weeks, there has been an influx of travelers this summer. Compared to March 2020, the airports had a 499% increase in customers. A report by the Transportation Security Administration shows that during Memorial Day weekend, 1.95 million people were flying. Besides the large crowds, airports nationwide are also seeing a spike in violent incidents. According to various news outlets, there has been a hoard of disorderly passengers going viral every few weeks.

Since the start of the pandemic, countless airline employees have battled with unruly clients. People have refused to use their masks, objected to self distance, or have reacted unreasonably. Now, as vaccines quickly roll out, the number of disagreeable passengers has increased. The massive number of people hoping to travel is causing long lines, capacity flight, and plenty of tension. 

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While at the airport, anxious travelers are bringing alcohol to drink, cursing at employees, and even threatening each other. Since February, about 22 people have received civil penalties. The Federal Aviation Administration disclosed they had received 2,500 reports of disruptive behavior. Of the 2,500 reports of disorderly conduct, 1,900 were of passengers disobeying federal face-mask requirements. 

A Possible Solution: Alcohol Ban

To combat the rising number of incidents nationwide, airlines are taking action by banning alcohol sales. According to Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, “The incidents of violence on planes is out of control and alcohol is often a contributor. The federal government should provide guidance to airlines and airports on pausing alcohol sales for a period of time.” Brady Byrnes, American Airlines managing director of flight service training and administration, in a memo, added, “We also recognize that alcohol can contribute to atypical behavior from customers onboard, and we owe it to our crew not to potentially exacerbate what can already be a new and stressful situation for our customers.”

Though alcohol is a legally controlled substance, when used excessively, it can be dangerous. It lowers inhibitions and is highly correlated with violent acts. It also has a broad range of other side effects, from loss of coordination to slurred speech. Nearly 15 million Americans over 18 have an alcohol use disorder. Still, only about 7% of those addicted ever receive treatment. Unfortunately, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people with an alcohol disorder rose during the pandemic. 

As the world rushes to return to a pre-Covid-19, it is essential to note that airlines must take some precautions to maintain the safety of every traveler. As of now, passengers may have more anxiety and stress than usual. Unfortunately, alcohol can aggravate those symptoms. To combat the problem, the airlines decided to halt their alcohol sales and not contribute to the further agitation of its guests. Like a spokesperson for Southwest said, “We realize this decision will be disappointing for some customers, but we feel it to be the right decision now in the interest of safety and comfort of all on board.” In the future, as tensions simmer and the world picks up pace, alcohol sales during flights could return. 

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The past year has seen an increase in the number of U.S. citizens arrested while trafficking drugs through the Southern border. Both Americans and Mexicans smuggle across the border, but because of the U.S. pandemic travel sanctions, it’s easier for Americans to travel freely. Americans also draw less scrutiny from border patrol, which makes them an obvious choice for cartels trying to move drugs into the U.S.

In the years before the pandemic, twice as many Americans were arrested smuggling than Mexicans. Between October of 2020 and March of 2021, that number jumped to 7 times as many Americans arrested. Alongside the increase in American arrests, there has been an increase in smugglers trafficking drugs in their body across the border. In 2021 alone, 505 Americans were found with drugs hidden in them.

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While these 505 American arrests represent a fraction of drug traffic, it completely dwarfs the 35 foreign citizens who were found body smuggling. This statistical relationship follows the same pattern as the overall arrest rate. In years previous, the U.S. and foreign citizen in-body smuggling rates were similar, but after the pandemic and travel sanctions, American smuggling leapt to a higher rate.

Alongside American citizens, commercial vehicles have been allowed to travel unhindered during the pandemic. Large trucks carrying commercial cargo are ideal trafficking vehicles. Drugs have been found in gas tanks, hidden in tires, and in the products that are being shipped.

During the October 2020-March 2021 timeframe, over 90,000 pounds of drugs have been seized at southern ports of entry. The U.S. citizens arrested for smuggling them are often selected as one-time traffickers paid based on the value of the drugs they’re hauling. Cases from Texas found that people were offered $10,000 and more to make it back into the U.S. and drop the drugs off at secret locations.

Border patrol agents acknowledge that cartels will find whatever way possible to circumvent preventative measures. Smuggling with U.S. citizens, hiding drugs in commercial vehicles, even digging tunnels under border walls if necessary. The promise of normalcy provided by vaccines has border patrol worried for the increased volume of drugs that will inevitably come across the border.

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The year 2020 has not only been deemed the deadliest year in American history but also a dangerous and deadly year for substance abuse. America has been fighting the impact of the Opioid Crisis prior to 2020. While many states lost Americans to drugs like Heroin, Fentanyl, and prescription medications, states like Virginia, Ohio, and Oregon have the highest rates of overdose deaths.

In 2020, numbers of drug overdoses hit an all-time high, with the aforementioned states. Oregon witnessed a 40% “death spike” with 580 fatalities because of illicit chemicals. Use of drugs like Meth increased 37% in a year in Oregon, Cocaine deaths climbed to 57%, Fentanyl deaths contributed to a shocking 92% of deaths, and Heroin reached 9%. Virginia also suffered record highs for drug abuse and fatalities, with 2,035 drug overdoses in 2020, exceeding its record of 1,626 overdoses within a year’s time. Ohio lost 548 individuals to drug abuse in the spring of 2020, increasing in 14 years. Furthermore, the summer months of June and July lost 481 and 442 people in the state.

Staggering Numbers Of 2020 Deaths Continue To Concern Many

2020 death tolls have alarmed many and have gained the year the reputation of being the “deadliest year in American history.” Interestingly, the Centers of Disease Control predicted higher numbers of deaths to occur throughout the year. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has ended the lives of over 318,000 Americans in 9 months, is a major influence on high death tolls. While much research is being done to understand the connection between 2020-related substance abuse and the effects of COVID-19, both the pandemic and drug overdoses have greatly contributed to many lost lives in 2020.

In addition to such effects of the pandemic, declining mental health due to COVID-19 infections and adjustments has encouraged more substance abuse to occur. As a result, drug abuse and suicide have contributed to the high number of deaths. Sadly, numbers are expected to rise to 3.2 million by the end of 2020. Lastly, deaths from conditions like dementia, diabetes, and cardiac problems have been also connected to 2020 increases in death.

2020 Death Rates: COVID-19 Considerations, Drug Abuse And Diseases Of Despair

Diseases of despair have also been connected to rises in drug abuse, due to the impact of COVID-19. Diseases of despair, which have resulted in suicide, declining mental health (anxiety, depression, loneliness, poor coping mechanisms), financial insecurity, and stress from isolation have caused many to experience new mental health challenges and worsen pre-existing ones. Because of this, some of those affected have turned to self-harm, substance abuse, or have increased their tolerance to or dependence on harmful substances.

Drug statistics have drastically shifted when compared to previous years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, “After declining 4.1% from 2017 and 2018, overdoses have increased 18.2% from the 12 months ending in June 2019.” Another source echoes a similar finding. According to United Press International (UPI), drug abuse and suicide rates increased 170% between 2009 and 2018; however the spread of COVID-19 has caused sharp increases in such findings. As a result, studies noticed a 59% increase in alcohol use, increases in Opioid overdoses and rises in suicidal thoughts. Additional statistics include 81,000 reported drug overdoses in a 12-month period during 2020, becoming the highest ever recorded in a year. The awareness is causing media outlets to spread the word in order to educate people. Essential workers in the medical field use Naloxone to try and revive those who overdosed on Opioids.

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It has only been a week since President Joe Biden was sworn into office. Yet, already he has signed 40 executive orders. Next on his agenda is the opioid epidemic. According to anonymous sources, some clinical guidelines will be repealed. Specifically, the President will not support the last-minute opioid treatment plan created by the Trump administration. The previous administration enforced less restrictive opioid-related policies. They allowed practitioners to prescribe Buprenorphine (an opioid treatment drug) without an “X-waiver.” The “X-waiver” is a federal license that permits clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment. The Biden administration is concerned that these laxer rules were leading to rising addiction rates.  

On January 14, 2021, there was a White House press release announcing the new guidelines. The change was in response to a 21% increase in opioid-related deaths over 12 months. From June 2019 to June 2020, over 83,000 people died from a drug overdose. By eliminating the federal rule, practitioners now had easier access to Buprenorphine. Doctors with a DEA narcotics prescribing license were exempt from the mandatory training. Before President Trump, doctors had to attend an eight-hour course to get a federal permit. The constraints had been in place for 20 years to ensure Buprenorphine was not overused. Under Trump’s clinical guidelines, more physicians gained access to Buprenorphine for medical treatment. So, when the news broke out, many clinicians rejoiced. 

Advocates For Buprenorphine

For years, people have been petitioning against the mandate. Advocates claim it slows down recovery for people struggling with opioid addiction. The drug restricted, Buprenorphine, is considered a transformative opioid treatment. Studies have shown it is an excellent tool for reducing deaths from opioid overdose. The medication satiates opioid cravings and decreases drug use. The FDA approved Buprenorphine in 2002 for opioid addiction treatment. Yet, only a few doctors have the proper certification to prescribe it. About 5% of America’s physicians possess the federal waiver, and fewer use it. Advocates hope that by eliminating unnecessary qualifications, more doctors will use Buprenorphine. With fewer restrictions around the drug, more patients could gain access to the medication. 

Promise For Opioid Treatment Reform

During his campaign, President Biden recognized the problem surrounding Opioid treatment. He declared the restrictions on Buprenorphine as unnecessary and outdated. He even promised to lift and review Methadone treatment regulations. But experts in both the legal and healthcare sectors advised against it. Many believe the Department of Health and Human Services did not have the authority to remove a Congress regulation. According to the Washington Post, the new guidelines had “legal and clinical concerns.” They were an attempt by the Trump administration to bypass Congress’s mandated requirements. Even Elinore McCance-Katz attempted to block the plan. Katz was once Trump’s assistant HHS secretary for mental health and substance use. According to Katz, for months she tried to stall the announcement. She believed the policy was not ready for release and needed more restrictions. Without proper limits, a catastrophe like the opioid epidemic could occur, starring Buprenorphine.  

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Back To The Drawing Board

Due to numerous concerns, the Biden administration is planning on withdrawing the hasty order. Change and rapid action are needed to battle the Opioid epidemic. But the Trump administration’s clinical guidelines may be more problematic than helpful. So, a repeal may be necessary to avoid the creation of a new crisis. By delaying the policy change, Biden’s administration can smooth out legal concerns. They may even design a new drug policy based on science, health, and compassion. Soon we could see effective recovery plans in response to the Opioid epidemic. 

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