A collision of epidemics: Coronavirus disrupts addiction treatment

Pandemic Disrupts Opioid Treatment in California, Slashing ER Care and Follow-Ups Despite Policy Changes

COVID-19 has significantly disrupted addiction treatment services in California, with emergency rooms reporting a sharp decline in opioid treatment and follow-up care despite policy changes aimed at improving access; preliminary data shows a 35% drop in opioid patients, 48% fewer withdrawal treatments, and 24% fewer follow-up appointments between January and April.