New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is giving health workers a clearer picture of the toll the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders have taken on some people other than in ways directly related to COVID-19. Drug overdose deaths in 2020 hit the highest number ever recorded in the U.S., rising by nearly 30%. The CDC estimates more than 93,000 people died from drug overdoses.
Robert Budsock, President and CEO of the rehabilitation center Integrity House, says given the stress and isolation caused by the pandemic, the increase in drug overdose deaths is unfortunately no surprise.
