In 2001, I lost my father to a drug overdose shortly after he had lost his job. Once a successful heating and air conditioning contractor with a thriving business, he struggled with addiction for over a decade by the time of his death. He had been in and out of jail multiple times, and after finally getting a job again, he was fired for selling prescription medications to his coworkers. That December, desperate for money to pay rent, he turned to my grandmother for help. The amount she provided was enough for him to overdose alone in his apartment. Sadly, he lay there for three days until a neighbor alerted the authorities.
His tragic story reflects a broader issue currently afflicting the U.S. According to NPR, over 200 Americans are dying each day from drug overdoses, a crisis with complex roots. University of Chicago economist Alex Carter notes that typically, rising unemployment doesn’t correlate with increased overdose rates. However, the COVID-19 recession has been different. The CARES Act helped many families avoid poverty, meaning those struggling with addiction might have had money coming in despite losing their jobs. With social activities curtailed, many turned to solitary coping mechanisms, like opioid use.
Reflecting on my father’s situation, it hits close to home. He lost his job, but with money from my grandmother, he had the means to feed his addiction. Isolated and without transportation due to losing his driver’s license, he resorted to taking opioids to cope with his circumstances.
The CDC has reported a significant increase in overdose deaths during the pandemic, with over 81,000 fatalities recorded in the year ending May 2020—the highest number ever documented in a single year. Disturbingly, communities of color have faced even harsher impacts. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the rise in overdoses began before the pandemic. Economist Anne Case, who has researched deaths of despair, suggests that the proliferation of fentanyl has played a significant role in this crisis. Once uncommon in many regions, fentanyl is now widespread, leading to many unsuspecting users overdosing on what they believed to be heroin.
The pandemic has also hindered access to help for those struggling with addiction. Many rehabilitation facilities have faced funding cuts and staffing shortages due to COVID-19, limiting their ability to assist those in need. During the initial phases of the pandemic, some officials used the increase in overdoses as a rationale against lockdown measures. Yet, with COVID-19 claiming over 430,000 lives, it’s clear that public health must take precedence.
As someone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one to addiction, I support lockdown measures and economic stimulus efforts. However, we cannot overlook those battling addiction. It’s possible to address both the pandemic and the overdose crisis simultaneously. The latest stimulus package allocated $4.25 billion for mental health services to combat “deaths of despair.” While we cannot yet measure the impact of these funds, I hope future bills will continue to prioritize this issue.
Reflecting on my father’s death, I often think about the argument we had just before he passed. I was one of the few who still reached out to him, and I regret not doing more during that brief period. If I had simply called or visited, perhaps he might still be here today, building memories with his grandchildren.
Now is the time to reach out to loved ones grappling with addiction. Help them connect with online support groups and locate resources in their communities. Being present during such challenging times can make a significant difference.
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Summary:
The rise in drug overdoses in the U.S. cannot solely be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, although it has exacerbated the crisis. Personal stories illustrate the complexity of this issue, particularly regarding the role of fentanyl and the lack of support for those struggling with addiction. It is essential to address both the pandemic and the overdose epidemic and to provide support to those in need.
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