Mitchelllogo e1593095882348
Mitchelllogo e1593095882348
Overdoses During the Pandemic
'}}

Here at Mitchell Medical PC, over the course of the pandemic, we have received more calls to action than ever. Periods of isolation and loneliness are the worst things for a person in recovery, and relapse rates have been higher than ever. According to the Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts this is the highest opioid epidemic since it began in the 1990s. With more drugs on the street being cut with fentanyl, from cocaine, to benzodiazepines like xanax, and opioids like heroin, the risk of fentanyl overdoses is at its highest peak. 

Our country is in crisis. 

According to an article in the New York Times, Overdose Deaths Have Surged During the Pandemic, C.D.C. Data Shows (well worth the read), the deaths from overdoses started rising again in the months leading up to the corona pandemic. The pandemic exacerbated the trend, and the consequence of this has been increased drug overdoses that have resulted in more deaths than ever. 

What is Fentanyl? 

The direct definition from the CDC is: Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can easily be diverted for misuse and abuse. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl. 

Fentanyl is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects.

Deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl on the rise

Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 16% from 2018 to 2019. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids were nearly 12 times higher in 2019 than in 2013. More than 36,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids in 2019.

The latest provisional drug overdose death counts through May 2020 suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As the NYT article quotes Dr. Volkow, “Dealers are lacing these non-opioid drugs with cheaper, yet potent, opioids to make a larger profit,” she said. “Someone who’s addicted to a stimulant drug like cocaine or methamphetamine is not tolerant to opioids, which means they are going to be at high risk of overdose if they get a stimulant drug that’s laced with an opioid like fentanyl.”

With drugs bought on the street being laced more than ever with fentanyl, the risk of death and overdose is scarier than ever. 

What we are doing to help?

At Mitchell Medical PC, during the course of the pandemic, we have been fighting the opioid epidemic. Staying the course of sobriety in isolation and uncertain times is not an easy task, that’s why we make it a priority to consistently check in with our patients, help them with bumps along the way and prioritize their mental health and keep them on track with their appointments and medically assisted treatment.

There is no short answer on how to stop the drug epidemic, but as a small practice that is dedicated to each and every one of our patients, we put human connection first and foremost, making sure each patient has the support they need to combat this dangerous and sometimes lethal disease. If you or a loved one is in need of help to combat a substance use disorder: please do not hesitate, make an appointment below:

REQUEST AND APPOINTMENT
'}}
At-Home Detox vs. In-Patient Detox: Which Option is Right for You?
When searching for the best way to detox from drugs or alcohol, you may wonder whether an at-home detox program or in-patient detox treatment is right for you. Both approaches are effective paths to sobriety, but the best option depends on your lifestyle, schedule, and personal needs. Let’s explore the key differences between these two […]
READ MORE
'}}
Euphoria & Drug Addiction: What to do if your loved one is suffering from addiction?
Euphoria & Drug Addiction:What to do if your loved one is suffering from addiction? The HBO popular series Euphoria, portrays Rue, a teenager addicted to drugs, who we follow as she slowly makes dangerous decisions that affect herself and the people around her. We witness Rue take drugs, survive overdoses and everything in between. This […]
READ MORE
'}}
Drug Overdoses Hits a Record High in a 12 Month period
  Drug Overdoses Hits a Record High in a 12 Month period reported by major news outlet including :  CNN’s article, “Drug overdose deaths top 100,000 annually for the first time, driven by fentanyl, CDC data show” New York Times Article, “Overdose Deaths Reached Record High as the Pandemic Spread” NPR Article, “American drug overdose […]
READ MORE
'}}
SUBOXONE VS: SUBLOCADE — Opioid Treatment Options
  With the rise of fentanyl-caused deaths in this country alone, it is important now more than ever to educate our communities on effective medications to treat opioid use disorder.  According to, National Institute of Drug Abuse definition: Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, […]
READ MORE
'}}
Fentanyl: Overdoses at a Rapid Pace.
  Over the years, we have seen overdoses due to fentanyl increase dramatically. What was always a threat to the already deadly epidemic, has increased dramatically. From actors like Michael K Williams to 23 year old Daniel Mickelson, accidental overdoses are becoming more and more likely throughout the country.  What is Fentanyl? Defined by the […]
READ MORE
'}}
What Does Cocaine Do To Your Body?
Cocaine is a very powerful addictive stimulant, it comes as a crystal white powder and is usually snorted through the nose or rubbed into their gums. Cocaine use is extremely dangerous due to street dealers mixing cocaine with stuff suck as cornstarch, talcum powders and other flours to increase profits. However, cocaine use is extremely […]
READ MORE
'}}
BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL: Including Xanax Withdrawal, Valium Withdrawal and more.
According to Drugs.com Drug ClassesCentral Nervous System AgentsAnxiolytics, Sedatives, And HypnoticsPrintBenzodiazepines Medically reviewed by C. Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 5, 2019. What are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”) are a class of agents that work in the central nervous system and are used for a variety of medical conditions. They act on specific […]
READ MORE
'}}
Sobriety in New York City
John Roesch, NYC Recovery Coach and Interventionist says in his Medium Article, Getting Sober in NYC, “Finding recovery in the city that never sleeps." New York City is the place where dreams come true. From Washington Heights to Williamsburg, New York is the center of the universe for everything from business and finance to education, […]
READ MORE
'}}
The Sinclair Method
What is it?  The Sinclair Method is a method proven to work as an alternative to abstinence. The Sinclair Method  According to Sinclairmethod.org,  The Sinclair Method for Alcohol Use Disorders is an evidence-based treatment for problematic drinking developed by Dr. John D. Sinclair. Unlike traditional treatments that require complete abstinence from alcohol, the Sinclair Method […]
READ MORE