Opioid Overdoses Spike In DuPage County Amid Coronavirus

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — DuPage County has seen a spike in opioid overdoses in recent weeks when compared to past years, which could be linked to the new coronavirus shutdown, according to a news release from DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen. There have been 20 fatal overdoses, mainly attributed to opioids, in the past three weeks, Jorgensen's update, whereas 2019 saw a total of 96 fatal opioid overdoses throughout the entire year.

"We have noticed a marked increase of deaths. In recent weeks, there have been multiple deaths in the same day," Jorgensen said in the news release, adding that it was not immediately clear whether the surge in overdoses could be attributed to the coronavirus crisis, a change in makeup of the drugs or a change in drug usage.

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The majority of those who died "were living alone, having personal or marital difficulty, depression and recent drug rehab or treatment," the news release said.

Brad Gerke, who is co-founder of 516 Light Foundation and is director of operations of Banyan Treatment Center and a member of the DuPage County HOPE Task Force told Jorgensen he has seen a "marked increase in all issues related to addiction" since the coronavirus crisis started.

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Gerke added, "I monitor social media and have seen a spike in fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the range of three to six per day. I think this is due to a lack of in-person communication and lack of ability to be with people. This void of connection takes away the primary treatment methods which are critical aspect of rehabilitation and recovery. This COVID – 19 environment leads to depression, anxiety, fear and worry about job security. This is all extremely difficult for addicts and those in recovery."

The data showed that the average age of those who recently overdosed was 36 years old, which is older than the average age of those who fatally overdosed in 2019. The coroner's office added that there has not been a pattern to where in the county the overdoses took place either.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement, "While we find ourselves in the midst of the deadly COVID-19 health crisis, it is important to remember that we are still facing a severe opioid epidemic that has claimed too many lives and must not be forgotten. Because of this, we must be vigilant in ensuring that resources allocated to fight COVID-19 are not taken from the resources previously intended to fight the opioid epidemic."

Jorgensen urged community members to check in on people who may be struggling with loneliness, depression or other issues linked to substance use disorder. He said, "If you know of people who are at high risk: known drug users, those living alone, having personal or marital difficulty, depression and recent drug rehab or treatment, please reach out and see if they need support or help. These are difficult times made worse when an individual has drug and, or mental health issues. We are all in this together and need to reach out to all of those who are vulnerable in this difficult time."

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