Increased Drug Use and Overdoses During COVID-19
Episode 19, Oct 08, 2021, 11:27 PM
Share
Subscribe
COVID-19 has seen a rise in substance use and overdoses. Black individuals experienced a 45% increase in overdose deaths in 2020, nearly double that of white individuals, with Oregon showing higher rates for Black people and American Indian/Alaska Natives. Methamphetamine use has also surged tenfold among Black people from 2015-2019, contributing to overdose deaths.
Disparities arise from racial trauma, limited healthcare access, and harsher consequences for Black individuals with substance use disorders, leading to treatment avoidance and lower rates of specialty care engagement. To address this, substance use disorder treatment must tackle racism at systemic, organizational, and individual levels, and the healthcare system needs to be diverse.
Individuals can support by affirming experiences of racial trauma, seeking culturally specific healthcare, and practicing self-care through activities like meditation, exercise, creative expression, and reducing news/social media consumption.
Disparities arise from racial trauma, limited healthcare access, and harsher consequences for Black individuals with substance use disorders, leading to treatment avoidance and lower rates of specialty care engagement. To address this, substance use disorder treatment must tackle racism at systemic, organizational, and individual levels, and the healthcare system needs to be diverse.
Individuals can support by affirming experiences of racial trauma, seeking culturally specific healthcare, and practicing self-care through activities like meditation, exercise, creative expression, and reducing news/social media consumption.