Like any other industry, the illegal drug market has been affected by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis of 2020. As a result, heroin has become less accessible and those struggling with opiate addiction have turned to fentanyl. Because fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and does not need to be harvested, it is less susceptible to COVID-19 interruption. Unfortunately, fentanyl is also much riskier and leads to a higher number of fatal overdoses.
A historian who studies the illegal drug trade points out that “this kind of thing has happened before… many heroin users started taking riskier drugs during World War II.”
In addition to the deaths from COVID-19, the last thing we need is wartime patterns of drug abuse and overdose.
Sadly, many people are turning to substances to cope with the negative effects of COVID-19.
How Deadly is Fentanyl?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl are on the rise, and rates of overdoes death increased by 10% from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, over 31,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids.
The Silver Lining
When drug supplies are interrupted, not everyone turns to the next available option. With their drug of choice unavailable, many people seek help for addiction. While recovery is undoubtedly more challenging during a pandemic, facilities like The Carter Treatment Center remain available for those looking to recover their possibility and turn their lives around.
Get Help Today
If you’ve had difficulty accessing drugs, you may start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Don’t turn to another dangerous substance and don’t try to get through them alone. Instead, consider outpatient rehab at The Carter Treatment Center.
Our team understands how addiction can take a toll on your mental, physical, and emotional health and we use alternative therapies to address your holistic wellbeing.
When you come to us, we consider your needs and give you the tools you need to get and stay sober. While this is a difficult time for all of us, it could also be the most important time of your life.
Don’t become a statistic or another victim of fentanyl abuse. Contact us online today or call us anytime at (470) 616-7274.
Your evaluation is free and confidential and could be the first step you take on your journey to recovery.