Drug overdose is now an epidemic, thanks to the Covid pandemic

Covid has torn the world apart. But while Covid has been in sharp focus since 2019-end, another epidemic has been raging in its shadow, taking many lives world over. According to recent data, deaths related to drug overdose have doubled over the past six years, and a significant surge has been noticed during the pandemic.

Drug overdose means too much use of any substance. It can be prescribed, over-the-counter, legal or illegal. Addiction to any drug is harmful and can turn toxic. Drug addiction can affect both mental and physical health.

Addiction is not just limited to use of cocaine and other illegal drugs. One can be addicted to anti-anxiety medications, nicotine, sleeping pills and other substances. One can also get addicted to prescribed drugs.

Recent data from the US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention has thrown light on the alarming number of deaths linked to drug overdose.

Till April 2021, 1,00,000 annual deaths were reported in the US alone. According to the new data, 1,04,288 people have died of drug overdose in 12 months till September 2021.

THE IMPACT OF PANDEMIC

The Covid-19 pandemic pushed the already bad situation to severe. The study has also highlighted that the pandemic may end soon, but this drug overuse epidemic may take longer to end. The number of deaths have also increased significantly during the pandemic.

"If and when Covid restrictions ease, you won't see a reversal in the same way you saw the acceleration because these drug distribution networks and addiction become embedded in the community. And it's not like they turn off overnight," said Katherine Keyes, an associate professor at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

WHAT ABOUT INDIA?

A data shared by National Crime Records Bureau last year revealed that over 2,300 people have died due to drug overdose from 2017 to 2019 in India.

Out of the total 2,300 deaths; 745 deaths were recorded in 2017, 875 in 2018 and 702 in 2019.

Maximum deaths were reported in the age group of 30-45 years. Rajasthan reported the maximum deaths, followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

Drug overdose is a growing public health concern responsible for several deaths each year. But drug addiction can be prevented with timely intervention.

• Depression or depression-related symptoms should be treated medically.
• If you or someone around you is addicted, seek medical help immediately.