As US Drug Overdose Deaths Skyrocket Resurgence Behavioral Health Urges Anyone in Need to Reach Out for Effective Addiction Treatment

Costa Mesa, California -

Costa Mesa, CA – Health officials recently reported that drug-overdose deaths had surpassed 100,000 in a twelve-month period for the first time in US history. Resurgence Behavioral Health, which treats substance abuse and related mental health disorders at centers around the country, joins those officials in calling for more focus on addiction treatment for healing the root causes of substance abuse.

The news was reported by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preliminary data estimate that 100,306 people suffered fatal drug overdoses in the U.S. between April 2020 and April 2021.

Not only is that the highest number ever recorded in the U.S., but it’s a massive increase over the previous year: up 28.5% from 2019-2020 when 78,056 deaths occurred.

Opioids caused the largest share of fatalities, more than 75%. According to the report, opioids represented 75,673 deaths in the period recorded. That’s almost 35% more opioid deaths than the 56,064 opioid deaths reported in the previous 12-month period.

The majority of the fatalities were tied to the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is up to a hundred times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is often added to illegally sold drugs to make them stronger and cheaper. This usually happens without the user’s knowledge, with tragic results.

Experts say synthetic opioids are inexpensive to make and transport, contributing to their widespread use. It’s believed that mental health issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic are also driving the increase in overdoses. During the pandemic, particularly the early days when uncertainty was at its highest, people found themselves turning to alcohol and drugs to alleviate stress and anxiety. Many recovering addicts also lost their in-person support systems as support groups, friends, and loved ones followed social-distancing guidelines.

In response to the rising numbers of overdose deaths, federal drug control officials have started turning to new strategies, including increasing the availability of naloxone, a drug that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. They are also making fentanyl test strips available to opioid users and even supporting needle-exchange programs to prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Overcoming previous resistance to the idea of harm reduction as a form of “enabling” drug use, officials are beginning to embrace these programs which have recently received $30 million in federal funding.

Meanwhile, the American Rescue Plan Act, a COVID-relief program signed by President Biden in 2021, will provide some $40 billion to treat mental health disorders, including substance abuse.

Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are often at the root of substance abuse disorders. They may even be the primary issue rather than a separate condition. At Resurgence, many clients are in treatment for both mental health and substance abuse issues, which is known as a dual diagnosis. Resurgence Behavioral Health in Costa Mesa finds that people often use alcohol or drugs to “self-medicate” a deeper psychological problem. If only the addiction is treated and not the emotional disorder, the substance abuse is likely to return.

This comprehensive approach to addiction treatment extends to all programs at Resurgence, which include medically assisted detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, sober living and extended follow-up care for the transition back to daily life. Evidence-based therapies are designed to provide a continuum of care to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Programs help clients discover the root causes of their addictions and develop strategies for healthy living without chemical assistance.

Anyone searching for addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one may begin the process of recovery by visiting Resurgence Behavioral Health online or calling 855-458-0050.