Addiction Recovery Weekly Roundup – April 5 Week

1.Ohio County Prosecutor: Pandemic Puts More Stress On Families Dealing With Addiction

Vinton County, Ohio, has been on the front lines of the opioid crisis in the U.S. for several years. The drugs may have changed over the years — from opioids to meth — but the devastating effects on families have not. And even though the county hasn’t had high infection rates of the coronavirus, the necessary social restrictions have made it harder to keep people addicted to drugs and their children safe. (npr.org)

2. Mental Health Professionals Offer Advice For Those Struggling With Addiction During Coronavirus

WHITEFISH — People struggling with substance abuse disorders find social isolation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is particularly stressful.

MTN News spoke with Dr. Doug Muir who is the behavioral health director at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. (kpax.com)

3.Interrupting International Drug Traffic

The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing reactionary measures have both impacted illicit drug activity in the US. Dealing with a serious contagious virus interrupted the supply chain of illegal drugs throughout the country and internationally. (addictioncenter.com)

4. Experts Concerned That Pandemic Feelings Can Trigger Addiction Issues

Steve Haught is 70 and retired. He worked manual labor when he was young and uses illegal opioids to relieve his pain.

The pandemic is wreaking havoc on his supply, he said. “There’s no one on the street. So it’s hard to find.”(opb.org)

5.COVID-19: An Opportunity, Challenge for Addiction Treatment, NIDA Boss Says

The COVID-19 pandemic is posing significant challenges while also providing unique opportunities for patients with substance use disorders (SUD), a leading expert says.

Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), said the pandemic has accelerated the use of telemedicine, making it easier for patients with SUD to access treatment. (medscape.com)