The Response Summer 2021 - 7

It is hard not to believe that the trauma
prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic
did not contribute to substance use related
problems and the overdose epidemic.
a substance use disorder in need of acute
services including withdrawal management
(detoxification).
warm handoff program,
provides
Both the Berks County
which
substance use disorder intervention at the
local emergency rooms, and the Berks
County central intake unit were hampered by
the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs
are large doorways for individuals to access
much needed services. Also, while Narcan©,
the life-saving opioid overdose antidote, was
available, it was not as readily distributed
throughout the community nor sought out
as it had in the past.
The surge in drug overdose deaths is not
a local problem. According to the White
House Office of National Drug Control
Policy, drug deaths spiked dramatically
during the pandemic, up roughly 27%
compared with the previous year.
The
overdose epidemic, which has been lurking
almost unnoticed during the COVID-19
pandemic, continues to create heartbreak
and trauma for individuals, families and the
community.
The overdose crisis does not merely affect
the individual. Families and friends are
devastated by the loss of a loved one to an
overdose. First responders such as emergency
medical services and law enforcement
personnel experience direct traumatic
exposure that can leave a lasting negative
impact. This trauma has been exacerbated
by the pandemic.
There has always been a relationship between
substance use disorders and trauma. Many,
if not most, individuals with a substance
use disorder are experiencing some form
of trauma. In some instances, it would be
difficult to discern which disorder brought on
the other. Trauma can affect how someone
responds to counseling and treatment.
In
order for individuals to maintain meaningful
long-term recovery from their substance use
disorder, it is important for the trauma to be
addressed.
Over the last several years, trauma has
become a focus of treating substance
use disorders. Trauma-informed care has
become more integrated into counseling and
treatment services. This includes evidence
based and holistic approaches which seek
to use the most appropriate methods for
treating the whole person. Trauma-informed
care is a key component at the heart of the
burgeoning efforts of substance use related
harm reduction.
The overdose crisis and its devastating effects
has prompted calls for increased harm
reduction efforts. Harm reduction essentially
has a singular focus: keep people alive and
reduce suffering.
to
disagree with this
It is near impossible
focus. With harm
reduction, comes innovative approaches,
some of which are new to our mindset and
may be seen as controversial. While every
community may not be prepared for all
harm reduction approaches, one thing is for
certain - we must not allow the COVID-19
pandemic to cloud our vision. We must
redouble our efforts to reduce overdose
deaths in our community.
7
The Response Summer 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Response Summer 2021
