Substance misuse trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in District 4
Abstract
Background:
In the United States, drug-related mortality has increased dramatically, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, approximately 93,000 drug overdose deaths were reported nationwide. Particularly, Georgia experienced an overwhelming 232% increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths between 2019 and 2021. This study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid-related fatalities in District 4.
Methods:
Data was obtained from SendSS, Biospatial and OASIS, which provided detailed geographical insights into overdose responses within the District. Trends in overdose mortality were examined before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on opioids and patterns of substance misuse.
Results:
Between 2016 and 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, District 4 recorded 498 drug-related deaths. In contrast, from 2020 to 2023, this number rose significantly to 747, with the highest mortality rates and overdose-related emergency room visits occurring in 2021 and 2022. During the pandemic, the highest rates of drug-related deaths were recorded in Carroll, Coweta, and Henry Counties. Carroll County had the second-highest overdose emergency room visits, with a total of 918 within the past year (2022-2023), while Henry County had a total number of 906 emergency room visits, the third-highest in District 4. Preliminary data for 2024 indicate a dramatic 58.8% increase in opioid-related deaths across the state, marking one of the highest surges recorded.
Conclusion:
Crisis often drives individuals to relapse or begin using substances as a coping mechanism; this is reflected in the rising drug-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. District 4 has initiated several prevention strategies, including community engagement, stakeholder discussions, harm reduction efforts, naloxone training, and increased accessibility to public health resources. These interventions aim to improve mental health support, address disparities, and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. This research highlights the urgent need for united, integrated, and continued public health strategies.
Keywords
Opioids, Overdose, Drugs, Pandemic, Mortalities
Conflict of Interest Form
I understand that if my abstract is selected and I agree to present that I must register for the conference and pay the registration fee to attend at least the day of the conference that I present. This includes all Learning Methods except invited Key Note Speakers.
Substance misuse trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in District 4
Background:
In the United States, drug-related mortality has increased dramatically, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, approximately 93,000 drug overdose deaths were reported nationwide. Particularly, Georgia experienced an overwhelming 232% increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths between 2019 and 2021. This study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid-related fatalities in District 4.
Methods:
Data was obtained from SendSS, Biospatial and OASIS, which provided detailed geographical insights into overdose responses within the District. Trends in overdose mortality were examined before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on opioids and patterns of substance misuse.
Results:
Between 2016 and 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, District 4 recorded 498 drug-related deaths. In contrast, from 2020 to 2023, this number rose significantly to 747, with the highest mortality rates and overdose-related emergency room visits occurring in 2021 and 2022. During the pandemic, the highest rates of drug-related deaths were recorded in Carroll, Coweta, and Henry Counties. Carroll County had the second-highest overdose emergency room visits, with a total of 918 within the past year (2022-2023), while Henry County had a total number of 906 emergency room visits, the third-highest in District 4. Preliminary data for 2024 indicate a dramatic 58.8% increase in opioid-related deaths across the state, marking one of the highest surges recorded.
Conclusion:
Crisis often drives individuals to relapse or begin using substances as a coping mechanism; this is reflected in the rising drug-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. District 4 has initiated several prevention strategies, including community engagement, stakeholder discussions, harm reduction efforts, naloxone training, and increased accessibility to public health resources. These interventions aim to improve mental health support, address disparities, and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. This research highlights the urgent need for united, integrated, and continued public health strategies.
