The most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates from 2019 to 2020 drug overdose deaths increased by 51% in Louisiana. Ben Miller, President of Well Being Trust, reviewed the numbers and said overdose deaths were increasing well before the pandemic.
“I think COVID has been gasoline on top of a raging fire, and it’s something that I think all of us, in our communities, our policymakers, every stakeholder that really cares about what’s happened in our states need to pay a lot of attention to,” said Miller.
And Miller said they’ve also seen an alarming increase in street or synthetic opioid overdose deaths increase by 56% compared to prescription opioids.
“There are a lot of people that are dying because of these extremely potent synthetic opioids that are available almost everywhere on the streets and that’s a concern,” said Miller.
Miller said we are better able to control opioid prescriptions, but synthetic use is increasing.
If you have a friend of a loved one that you suspect is an addict, Miller said the first step is to simply ask them about it.
“Ask them in a nonjudgmental way, see how they are doing, ask them if there’s anything that you can do to support them. Sometimes folks who are in the middle of an abuse situation may not recognize just how bad it’s gotten. Some will, but some may not,” said Miller.
And have a connection to care for them, be able to put them in touch with a professional so they can get the help they need.
To read the entire report click here.
Comments