Long Covid And Opioid Abuse: How the Covid-19 Pandemic Can Result In The Resurgence of The Opioid Epidemic

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the health of millions of people all around the world. Even with the invention and administration of vaccines, the disease is still taking the lives of so many people. But aside from the fatal blow the coronavirus pandemic is wielding, there is another problem that is on the horizon. Many doctors are getting worried about the potential resurgence of the opioid epidemic as more opioid prescriptions are being handed out especially for Covid-19 survivors who are already negative of the virus but are still experiencing persistent symptoms. These symptoms are collectively referred to as "Long Covid" and those who experience this condition are called Covid long-haulers.

A recent report released by the American Medical Association revealed that there has been a spike in the number of drug-related deaths and overdose cases during the Covid pandemic. Overdose and deaths due to opioids, heroin, and fentanyl remain high.

Now with more opioid prescriptions being handed out, doctors are worried that this will only worsen the opioid problem in the country. In a study conducted among Veterans Health Administration facilities, it was found that doctors were prescribing more opioids than they would normally have because of Long Covid patients.

What is Long Covid?

In the United States, over 35 million people have been infected with the coronavirus, with over 600,000 people dying of the disease. For those who have survived, not everyone was able to go back to normal life. According to a large new study, at least 25% of Covid-19 survivors develop at least one long-lasting symptom even after they are cured of the illness. This is what is referred to as Long Covid. Some of the more common symptoms of Long Covid include shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, and coughing. Other less common symptoms include brain fog, muscle pain, bone pain, chest pain, and loss of taste and smell.

Scientists are still trying to figure out why Long Covid happens. There are experts who think that when someone has the virus, they may still have it in their body and this causes problems with their health. Some theorize that the virus causes the body's immune system to go into overdrive which results in the body attacking itself.

Opioids As Treatment For Long Covid

After surviving Covid-19, this should (in theory) bring some relief. However, for many Covid survivors, this is not really the case. Experiencing persistent symptoms can be debilitating. Having Long Covid symptoms can interrupt social life, work routine, and family activities. Long Covid survivors will have to deal with these symptoms for an indefinite amount of time. In seeking treatment for Long Covid, doctors have started prescribing opioids to help with this condition. But while opioids can bring temporary relief, many experts are concerned that this could only lead to a worse problem.

For the past several years, doctors have been issuing fewer opioid prescriptions. This is in response to the problematic opioid epidemic America is facing. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, this practice is going the opposite way. It is then understandable why many doctors are cautioning about the possibility of another surge in opioid cases.

But it is not only the number of opioid prescriptions that increased. The use of anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and other benzodiazepines has also increased. This could also contribute to the worsening drug addiction problem in the country.

Alternatives to Opioid for Long Covid

While opioids can help people manage their Long Covid symptoms, doctors encourage Covid long haulers to try other therapies for treatment. The CDC recommends alternatives to opioids when dealing with pain including physical therapy, biofeedback therapy, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

It is also important to educate these patients about the dangers of long-term opioid use and the importance of following the dose their doctors prescribed. This could help patients with Long Covid better manage their pain and prevent them from slipping into addiction. Having an understanding of how addictive opioids are can also help prevent patients from turning to heroin and other illicit substances when their prescriptions finish.

Struggling With Opioid Abuse? Get Help Today

Surviving the coronavirus pandemic is a monumental feat already but if you're suffering from long-term symptoms, the battle is not yet done. Dealing with Long Covid can be really difficult, however, it is also important to be mindful of the drugs you put in your body to avoid drug addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.