COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting additional challenges to those battling addiction.
From May 1 to May 2, the Franklin County Coroner's Office said there were 28 non-fatal overdoses. 10TV was told that from January to April 15, the county saw a 50% increase in overdose deaths. In April alone, the coroner said 62 people died from overdoses.
"This is really worrisome to us," said Dr. Delaney Smith, medical director for the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH). "People aren't choosing to relapse, but all this stress can really combine to create this perfect storm for people who were doing great in their recovery."
Dr. Smith said people with substance use disorders are supported by routines and relationships - two things greatly affected by COVID-19.
"Establish new routines - healthy routines," she said. "Getting up at the same time of day, eating meals at regular times, exercising ... getting up and putting on clothes. Things like that may really seem so simple, but they make a big difference."
Dr. Smith said it is also important to keep appointments with your mental health providers.
"It may look a little different. It may be by video camera or telephone instead of face-to-face ... but they are still there and want to hear from you and get you engaged in treatment," she said.
Chelsea VanCuren is a member of Southeast Healthcare's RREACT team. She said right now, they are going out in the community bringing lunches, naloxone, hygiene items, and resource folders to anyone who needs it.
VanCuren said she is recovering from addiction, marking seven years sober this month. She said she understands why this can be such an isolating time.
"Recovery so much depends on community, whether it be meetings, the gym, your church community - by having to isolate or stay at home, a lot of people are finding themselves without that support," she said.
Dr. Smith is urging people to check on their loved ones and carry naloxone, a prescription medication that can reverse an overdose that is caused by an opioid drug. Franklin County residents can get a free kit sent to them in the mail. To learn more, click here.
If you are in an immediate emergency, call 911. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health or substance use-related emergency, call the Netcare Access Crisis Hotline: 614-276-CARE (2273). Or call the Opiate Crisis Line: 614-724-HOPE (4673), which is available Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
To read information on how to support your loved one battling addiction, click here.