OD deaths spiking?

SANDUSKY — COVID-19 is deadly, but the social isolation produced by stay-at-home orders can be deadly, too. Health officials in Ohio fear there has been a spike in opioid overdose deaths among people with substance use disorder who are under stress and have had trouble maintaining their usual support networks. They say it's important for people who have issues to reach out for help. Hard numbers are difficult to obtain, and state health department spokeswoman Melanie Amato says mortality data won't be available anytime soon. Coroners have up to six months to certify deaths, she said. "That said, we are seeing an uptick in our suspected drug overdose emergency department visits," Amato said Lori Criss, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said she also has heard anecdotal reports of increases in emergency room activity because of drug overdoses. "We know that mental health and addiction issues typically surge after any natural disaster," she said in an interview with the Register. "We did understand this was a likely outcome of the pandemic." Bad times can cause emotional distress that triggers anxiety, fear and depression, she said. People recovering from addiction normally expect they can get together with their sponsor and other people in their support networks, said Joey Supina, co-founder and executive director of Sandusky Artisans Recovery Community Center. "Some people just can't suffer through the anguish of not being able to meet with their sponsor," he said. "Some people are just not emotionally or psychologically capable of withstanding the isolation." Supina said people who need help can still reach out to Sandusky Artisans for peer support. In-person meetings are still taking place in conformance with CDC guidelines and virtual meetings are being held, Supina said. The Sandusky Artisans helpline is 419-625-8933. "It's still important to find ways to stay connected," Criss said. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services responded to the pandemic by launching a new toll-free hotline to provide emotional support for Ohioans who are dealing with emotions such as stress, fear, anxiety, sadness and loneliness during the pandemic. Anyone who needs to may call 1-800-720-9616 to talk to trained counselors.