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Estimating the uncertain effect of the COVID pandemic on drug overdoses.

Ali MoghtaderiMark S ZocchiJesse M PinesArvind VenkatBernard Black
Published in: PloS one (2023)
The reasons for rising overdose mortality in 2020 and 2021 cannot be definitely determined. We lack a control group and thus cannot assess causation. However, the observed increases can be largely explained by a continuation of pre-pandemic trends toward rising synthetic-opioid deaths, principally fentanyl, that began in mid-to-late 2019. We do not find evidence supporting the pandemic as a major driver of rising mortality. Policymakers need to directly address the synthetic opioid epidemic, and not expect a respite as the pandemic recedes.
Keyphrases
  • coronavirus disease
  • sars cov
  • chronic pain
  • pain management
  • cardiovascular events
  • risk factors
  • emergency department
  • type diabetes
  • drug induced