Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As more deaths are reported as a result of the COVID19 pandemic, another rise in deaths is happening, this time from addictions.
621 people died of drug overdoses in San Francisco so far this year, a staggering number that far outpaces the 173 deaths from COVID-19 the city has seen thus far.
While specific numbers on overdose deaths in WNY are not available at this time, deaths are on the rise. "We had some initial increases in the April-May time frame, and now we're seeing another spike that started this month," says Scott Morton of Endeavor Health Services. He says during those spikes the number has doubled compared to the previous year.
Anne Constantino of Horizon Health says she's seeing deaths from overdoses rising as well. "Isolation is the enemy of addiction," says Constantino. "The increase in depression, isolation, use that is going on without people's knowledge, less contact with supportive families and supportive mechanisms people have been reliant on" has contributed to the rise in drug use and overdoses.
Constantino says she anticipates more overdose deaths based on CDC numbers for the 12 month period ending in May, where there were more than 81,000 overdose deaths. "We're already ramping up, certainly the pandemic increased that," adds Constantino.
Constantino says help is easier to get through Telehealth. "But it's also easier to hide out. Less frequent urine tests, less oversight on the part of the court if you're involved in court," notes Constantino. She adds group therapy, a cornerstone, is more challenging these days. "You're talking to other people who can call it as they see it. Group Therapy has changed. It's now through Zoom. It's more difficult to share. It's easier for someone to be less than honest or forthcoming when they're not face to face," adds Constantino.
Morton says there is one misconception about seeking help in person. "Even though most of the things we're doing is through Telehealth, individuals have this fear, I'll have to go in, I'm going to have to see someone and I'm going to catch the virus from there," comments Morton.
Morton says there's a perfect storm leading to not being able to get those services. "With some people having lost their jobs or income, the feeling of the inability to receive those services and coverage, Endeavor has different ways to help provide coverage for those seeking that help," says Morton.
He says because of everything that's going on, some people don't have the coping skills to deal with what's going on, and they turn to drugs or alcohol.
