opioid epidemic Archives

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker, And Author, Dr. John Rosa Reminds Readers That While Forgotten, The Opioid Epidemic Is Still Very Much Alive.

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author, and dynamic speaker attempts to return the focus of legislators and health agencies back to the opioid epidemic which has been lost in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet which experts confirm is deadlier than ever.

ROCKVILLE, MD. April 28, 2021: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crisis expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “The Opioid Epidemic Is Still Alive And Killing.” Dr. Rosa explains that the pandemic has taken the focus away from and contributed to the worsening of the opioid epidemic.

Dr. Rosa writes, “With everyone’s attention in the U.S. fully turned for the past year and a half toward the pandemic and vaccines and what one can and cannot do, there is one issue that once was in the spotlight as well as the hearts and minds of legislators and public health agencies that have completely fallen off the radar.” He states, “I’m talking about the opioid epidemic.”

As Dr. Rosa points out, “With this thought front and center, I was not surprised to come across an article at Harvard.edu, in which Michael Barnett, assistant professor of health policy and management at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health talked about why 2020 is likely to be the deadliest year on record for opioid overdoses.” He continues, “He echoes my own thoughts when he says, “The pandemic is in many ways a perfect storm for anyone who is struggling with substance use disorder. People have lost their jobs. Social and family interactions have been limited. And the pandemic itself is depressing and anxiety provoking. These are all stimuli that can stress the psyche and the finances of someone who has an addiction. In some cases, it could push a person who was getting their addiction under control back toward substance use. In other cases, the pandemic might be the trigger that actually makes someone consider initiating drug use, which could end up becoming an addiction and being harmful.” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/a-crisis-on-top-of-a-crisis-covid-19-and-the-opioid-epidemic/

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-opioid-epidemic-is-still-alive-and-killing/

About John P. Rosa
Dr. John Rosa owns and supervises Accessible Beltway Clinics, which is comprised of 17 clinics in Maryland and Virginia that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year. ABC Clinics combine medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine to give a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to pain syndromes and musculoskeletal disorders. Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating athletes in several universities, NBA, MLB, NHL and USA Olympic Basketball. Creator of 24/7 RnR an FDA approved analgesic cream; a proprietary blend of the most potent materials resulting in the most effective product on the market for pain Relief and aiding Recovery. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and management of onsite clinics.

Leader in Chiropractic

Trustee of New York Chiropractic College for over 15 years serving final 3-year term as Chairman of the Board and given the honor or Board Emeritus post service. Awarded the highest recognitions in Chiropractic Medicine as Fellow of the American Chiropractic Colleges and Fellow of the International Chiropractic Colleges.

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c that uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Shares Recent Research Showing That Opioids Create Pain Rather Than Make It Go Away.

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker reveals the devastating and painful effects of long-term opioid use based on recent research.

ROCKVILLE, MD. January 19, 2021: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crises expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “Long-term Use Of Opioids Has Been Found To Make Chronic Pain Worse.” Dr. Rosa brings to attention the role the brain plays in pain.

Dr. Rosa is of the opinion that the “reward of opioid addiction is more pain. He bases his conclusion on research. As he explains, “According to researchers in a recent article, “New evidence suggests that the body’s reward system may be more important than tissue damage in the transition from acute to chronic pain.” Dr. Rosa continues, “The article explains, “By reward system, they (the researchers) are referring, in part, to the endogenous opioid system, a complicated system connected to several areas of the brain. The system includes the natural release of endorphins from pleasurable activities.” https://neurosciencenews.com/opioid-chronic-emotion-pain-17507/Dr. Rosa writes, “If I were to tell you that your chronic pain is a result of something that is going on in your brain, you might want to “brain me.” But,” he adds, “in fact, this is something that researchers are discovering and bringing to light as the opioid crisis continues to spiral out of control.”

As Dr. Rosa points out, “Endorphins are natural opioids produced in the brain. They are part of the brain’s pleasure and reward system.” He continues adding, “According to researchers, “When this reward system is damaged by manufactured opioids, it perpetuates isolation and chronic illness and is a strong risk factor for depression. Rather than helping the pain for which the opioid was originally sought, persistent opioid use may be chasing the pain in a circular manner, diminishing natural rewards from normal sources of pleasure, and increasing social isolation,” and ultimately increasing chronic pain. https://neurosciencenews.com/opioid-chronic-emotion-pain-17507/

According to Dr. Rosa, “The research suggests emotional pain activates many of the same limbic brain centers as physical pain. This appears to be especially true for the most common chronic pain syndromes – back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/long-term-use-of-opioids-has-been-found-to-make-chronic-pain-worse/

About John P. Rosa

Dr. John Rosa owns and supervises Accessible Beltway Clinics, which is comprised of 17 clinics in Maryland and Virginia that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year. ABC Clinics combine medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine to give a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to pain syndromes and musculoskeletal disorders. Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating athletes in several universities, NBA, MLB, NHL and USA Olympic Basketball. Creator of 24/7 RnR an FDA approved analgesic cream; a proprietary blend of the most potent materials resulting in the most effective product on the market for pain Relief and aiding Recovery. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and management of onsite clinics.

Leader in Chiropractic

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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Long-term Use Of Opioids Has Been Found To Make Chronic Pain Worse

By Dr. John Rosa

If I were to tell you that your chronic pain is a result of something that is going on in your brain, you might want to “brain me.” But, in fact, this is something that researchers are discovering and bringing to light as the opioid crisis continues to spiral out of control.

The Reward Of Opioid Addiction Is More Pain

According to researchers in a recent article, “New evidence suggests that the body’s reward system may be more important than tissue damage in the transition from acute to chronic pain.” The article explains, “By reward system, they (the researchers) are referring, in part, to the endogenous opioid system, a complicated system connected to several areas of the brain. The system includes the natural release of endorphins from pleasurable activities.” https://neurosciencenews.com/opioid-chronic-emotion-pain-17507/

It turns out that emotional and chronic physical pain are “bidirectional” meaning they function in two directions. Endorphins are natural opioids produced in the brain. They are part of the brain’s pleasure and reward system. According to researchers, “When this reward system is damaged by manufactured opioids, it perpetuates isolation and chronic illness and is a strong risk factor for depression. Rather than helping the pain for which the opioid was originally sought, persistent opioid use may be chasing the pain in a circular manner, diminishing natural rewards from normal sources of pleasure, and increasing social isolation,” and ultimately increasing chronic pain. https://neurosciencenews.com/opioid-chronic-emotion-pain-17507/

Use Your Brain Instead Of Letting It Use You

Recent research suggests emotional pain activates many of the same limbic brain centers as physical pain. This appears to be especially true for the most common chronic pain syndromes – back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia.

According to this article, the authors state, “Physical injury and social rejection activate similar brain centers. Many of the patients who use opioid medications long term for the treatment of chronic pain have both physical and social pain, but these medications may produce a state of persistent opioid dependence that suppresses the endogenous opioid system that is essential for human socialization and reward processing.” Importantly they state that, “Recognition of the social aspects of chronic pain and opioid action can improve our treatment of chronic pain and our use of opioid medications.”

https://neurosciencenews.com/opioid-chronic-emotion-pain-17507/

This leads me to the mind-body connection and those who have been beating the drum for decades to little or no avail. It’s about time for the mainstream medical industry to catch up with the mind and its role in pain. One of the most prolific and profound proponents of helping people overcome chronic pain without drugs or dangerous surgeries was Dr. John Sarno. He was professor of Clinical Rehabilitation medicine at the New York University School of Medicine and author of numerous books on the mind-body connection. His most popular book is called Healing Back Pain, The Mind-Body Connection. Dr. Sarno is no longer alive, but his work is being continued. I recommend Dr. Sarno’s work to anyone in chronic pain.

Stop The Pain Stop The Drugs

Opioids may trick the brain into forgetting the pain better early on, but over long-term use, opioids wreak havoc on the physical body as well as psychological well-being. It turns out that the only way to stop the pain is to stop the drugs. In the meantime, there are other methods that provide real relief: chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, and more. Awareness is the first step. Give something other than opioids a chance.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Talks About The Effect A New Wave Of COVID-19 Will Have On Mental Health.

Dr. John P. Rosa, national opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker, writes about the wave of mental health issues that has been building throughout the pandemic and how it is likely to cost even more lives during the upcoming stressful holiday season.

ROCKVILLE, MD. November 2, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “The Holidays, The Winter Wave Of COVID-19, And A Wave Of Mental Health Issues,” in which Dr. Rosa reminds readers that everyone is under more duress than ever going into the holiday season.

Dr. John P. Rosa Dr. Rosa writes, “I have been anticipating the wave of mental health issues that is growing and looming larger every day.” He continues, “I know, that as this article states, “It’s comforting to think that with precautions like physical distancing, proper masking and — hopefully — a future vaccine, the COVID-19 curve will flatten and, someday, end.” The article also points out that, “However, it’s essential to acknowledge that a second curve, the COVID mental health crisis curve, is already forming. That, too, will cost lives if we don’t make concerted efforts to treat it.”
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/09/covids-second-curve-protecting-our-mental-health/

“With the holidays coming,” Dr. Rosa says, adding, “which are already particularly stressful for many people, and the winter wave of COVID-19 already starting to take its toll, we must steel ourselves to follow protocols more strictly despite the stress.” He emphasizes, “We must all find ways to soothe ourselves for the long-term. We must weigh the real risks involved in going home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hannukah.” He asks, “Is it really worth the added stress to put your elder relatives at risk?” He goes on to say, “If we all play it safe, maybe next holiday season we can return to the closeness of shared meals with loved ones we haven’t seen in a long time.”

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-holidays-the-winter-wave-of-covid-19-and-a-wave-of-mental-health-issues/

About John P. Rosa

Leader in Chiropractic

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Talks About The Impending Mental Health Crisis Coming As A Result Of Covid-19.

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about the effects of long-term stress on mental health increasing the risk for self-harm, suicide and substance abuse.

ROCKVILLE, MD. October 21, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crises expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “No One Is Immune To The Growing COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis.” Dr. Rosa elaborates on the long-term effects of chronic stress and offers tips for self-care.

As Dr. Rosa points out, “The fear of getting the virus is stressful enough. Add to that the disruption in lifestyle, the social distancing, the inability to travel freely, the quarantining, the mandate to wear masks in public, the inability to go to the office, the unemployment, the financial stress. I could go on,” he says, “but I think you get the point. All of these things add up to tremendous emotional and mental stress.”“A COVID-19-related mental health crisis is building like a tsunami wave,” writes Dr. Rosa, adding, “and it’s going to cost even more lives as it continues to grow.” “Let’s face it,” he says, “life is stressful. Everyone experiences stressful periods. However, when stress lasts for extended periods of time, the effects on mental health can be devastating.” He emphasizes, “The world has been living with the presence of COVID-19 for nearly one year. That’s a long time to live under duress.”

Dr. Rosa writes, “A recent time.com article speaks to the growing concern around this issue. The article states, “While the physical symptoms caused by the virus may disappear in weeks, people will continue to suffer the impact of grief, anxiety and depression for months or even years. In addition to healthcare workers, those most at risk are older people, adolescents, people with pre-existing mental health conditions and those already caught up in conflict and crisis.” “https://time.com/5839553/un-action-mental-health-crisis/

According to Dr. Rosa, “Men and women in recovery from opioid use and abuse are especially vulnerable. Here in the states, as well as in other parts of the world, COVID-19 has led to cuts in mental health services and the closure of many facilities.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/no-one-is-immune-to-the-growing-covid-19-mental-health-crisis/

About John P. Rosa

Leader in Chiropractic

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Reveals That His Greatest Concern About The Opioid Epidemic Has Come About.

By Dr. John Rosa

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker talks about how the COVID-19 crisis has singlehandedly caused a devastating setback in the progress made in the opioid crisis.

ROCKVILLE, MD. August 19, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crisis expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “What Did The Opioid Epidemic Say To The Covid-19 Pandemic.” Dr. Rosa acknowledges that the challenges of both crises are no joke.

The answer to the title of Dr. Rosa’s latest article is, “Thanks, man, I was starting to lose traction, but you’re a great dis-traction and I’m killing it again!”

According to Dr. Rosa, It’s not a joke and it certainly isn’t funny. But, unfortunately, it’s a fact.” He continues adding, “This has been my greatest concern since the pandemic took center stage back in February.” He shares that he is not alone in his concern, writing, “As reported recently at Quartz (qz.com) by geopolitical reporter, Annalisa Merrelli, in an article entitled, Covid-19 is undoing a decade of progress on the opioid epidemic, “experts are worried the progress made so far on tackling the opioid crisis may be jeopardized.”” https://qz.com/1889798/covid-19-is-making-the-opioid-crisis-much-worse/

“The COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Rosa states, “is without question the perfect storm that is allowing the opioid epidemic to spread freely again and take the lives of so many without even being noticed. The isolation, social distancing, uncertainties, and job losses, combined with decreasing support systems, are all well-known risk factors for increasing drug use.” He adds, “For people who have been in recovery, the pandemic provides the perfect excuse and environment in which to relapse.”

However, according to Dr. Rosa, “Social distancing and isolation aren’t the only reasons that contribute to relapse. Consider the number of patients who find themselves suddenly without insurance who lost coverage through loss of work. It takes time to enroll in Medicaid, which results in loss of continuity of treatment, and ultimately increases the risk of relapse and overdose.” He emphasizes, “And of course, the hardest hit areas economically are the rural and poorer communities where opioid abuse is always higher risk.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/what-did-the-opioid-epidemic-say-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

About John P. Rosa

Leader in Chiropractic

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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What Did The Opioid Epidemic Say To The Covid-19 Pandemic

By Dr. John Rosa

“Thanks, man, I was starting to lose traction, but you’re a great dis-traction and I’m killing it again!”

It’s not a joke and it certainly isn’t funny. But, unfortunately, it’s a fact. This has been my greatest concern since the pandemic took center stage back in February. As reported recently at Quartz (qz.com) by geopolitical reporter, Annalisa Merrelli, in an article entitled, Covid-19 is undoing a decade of progress on the opioid epidemic, “experts are worried the progress made so far on tackling the opioid crisis may be jeopardized.” https://qz.com/1889798/covid-19-is-making-the-opioid-crisis-much-worse/

The COVID-19 pandemic is without question the perfect storm that is allowing the opioid epidemic to spread freely again and take the lives of so many without even being noticed. The isolation, social distancing, uncertainties, and job losses, combined with decreasing support systems, are all well-known risk factors for increasing drug use. For people who have been in recovery, the pandemic provides the perfect excuse and environment in which to relapse.

Job Loss And Loss Of Insurance Coverage

Social distancing and isolation aren’t the only reasons that contribute to relapse. Consider the number of patients who find themselves suddenly without insurance who lost coverage through loss of work. It takes time to enroll in Medicaid, which results in loss of continuity of treatment, and ultimately increases the risk of relapse and overdose. And of course, the hardest hit areas economically are the rural and poorer communities where opioid abuse is always higher risk.

Opioid Addiction Research Comes To A Halt

In addition, losing ground in this effort is going to have long-term effects since much research has come to a halt because of the pandemic – especially clinical research. With so many COVID-19 patients to take care of hospitals simply don’t have sufficient to continue their work on opioid addiction research. And, where patients were being studied in prisons, doctors no longer have access due to prisons being closed to external visitors.

Fatal Overdoses Hard To Confirm Under COVID-19 Shadow

In the aforementioned Quartz article, it is stated that medical professionals around the country have seen increases in fatal overdoses. Though according to the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “it’s hard to quantify by how much, because not only does the official data lag behind incidents, but its collection relies on autopsies to confirm overdose as the cause of death. With coroners and pathologists overwhelmed by Covid-19, performing such checks has been impossible in many cases, which will likely result inaccurate data for 2020.” https://qz.com/1889798/covid-19-is-making-the-opioid-crisis-much-worse/

One Crisis Overshadowing Another Is No Joke

The daily deaths throughout the U.S. from COVID-19 is just under 1,000 – around 941. The pre-pandemic daily death toll from OUD (opioid use disorder) was 150. Clearly unimpressive from some perspectives. However, from the perspective of someone who has seen the damage inflicted on family members, colleagues and friends due to opioids, who are not included in the damage or death reports, I think that statistic could be much higher.

Losing a child, a husband, a father or wife, a sister, a mother, or a friend to opioid overdose causes irreparable damage and heartache to those left behind. Some of those loved ones feel like they should have or could have done something to prevent the death. In the case of COVID-19, the killer is an invisible virus. No one knows where it is, who is potentially carrying it. In other words, there’s little notion of having a sense of control involved. Short of following safety protocols that include wearing a mask, staying safely socially distanced and washing hands there’s really nothing much one can do.

The thought that one might have been able to prevent a loved one’s death to drug overdose is equally out of anyone’s control except the person who is addicted. Addiction is as unpredictable as COVID-19 and deaths from both are equally tragic.

I find it even more tragic how the appearance of one crisis can so quickly decimate the progress that’s been so hard-won on another crisis. I have faith though that despite all appearances there will be positive outcomes learned from both of these diseases wreaking havoc on our country and the world at large.

Opioid Deaths Increasing Across The Country As Pandemic Continues

By Dr. John Rosa

It’s been 3 months since the U.S. went into shelter-in-place mode due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. My immediate concern was how those in recovery from opioid use would fare without being able to have face-to-face substance-abuse treatment. And, now, the numbers are beginning to surface.

According to a report from the American Medical Association, they are greatly concerned “by an increasing number of reports from national, state and local media suggesting increases in opioid-related mortality – particularly from illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs. At least 30 states have reported increases in opioid-related mortality…” https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-06/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf

Another recent article out of Martinsburg, WV, reports that overdose deaths in the tri-state area are outpacing COVID-19 related deaths. In Erie County New York, health authorities report that there has not been an increase in opioid use locally since the pandemic, but because of social isolation, more people are using alone, making it less likely someone is around to help them in the event they overdose. Jacksonville, Florida has seen a 20% increase in overdose calls from February to March.

The national public health group, Well Being Trust, suggests as many as 75,000 people could die during the pandemic due to drug overdose. According to CNN, “The group is sounding the alarm that the growing unemployment crisis, economic downturns and stress caused by isolation and lack of a definitive end date for the pandemic could significantly increase so-called “deaths of despair” unless local, state and federal authorities take action.” https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/08/health/coronavirus-deaths-of-despair/index.html

Integrative Medicine and Chiropractic clinics have been open and available to treat people in pain throughout the pandemic. However, in the past two weeks, in addition to COVID-19, a new epidemic has burst onto the scene that is sure to have serious consequences for those already struggling with addiction, mental and emotional health issues. It is the systemic virus of racism, inequality and injustice which has not only contributed to the use and abuse of opioids but is visible in all aspects of healthcare. Drug addiction, isolation and social injustice are massive contributors to chronic stress feeding many ails as we face today. Triple epidemics have surfaced simultaneously. It seems clear that a seismic change in the way we address the problems in this country is necessary.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Writes About How Isolation Can Be Life-Saving And Deadly At The Same Time

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about how isolation due to the COVID19 Pandemic is derailing efforts to help the people addicted to opioids who are currently in recovery and will no longer be able to get the help they need. For these people isolation could be a death sentence.

ROCKVILLE, MD. April 20, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making The Opioid Addiction Epidemic Worse.” Dr. Rosa makes a plea for finding a way to help the millions of people addicted to opioids during this challenging time.

Dr. Rosa writes, “When a pandemic that requires people to self-isolate crashes headlong into an ongoing epidemic that is fueled by loneliness and isolation, things are going to get increasingly harmful.” He adds, “And that is exactly what is happening as the COVID-19 pandemic crosses paths with the opioid epidemic.”

“Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on people who are addicted to drugs and other substances,” says Dr. Rosa. He continues, “It has been shown that many people who feel more socially isolated are the ones who are more susceptible to mental health and substance abuse issues. And, it has been noted that addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation but also one of the causes of it.” As Dr. Rosa points out, “Anxiety and isolation will often be the cause of relapse for many who suffer, and it may be a calling to those who have never used to start now.”

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-covid19-pandemic-is-making-the-opioid-addiction-epidemic-worse/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves

The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making The Opioid Addiction Epidemic Worse

By Dr. John Rosa

Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on people who are addicted to drugs and other substances.

It has been shown that many people who feel more socially isolated are the ones who are more susceptible to mental health and substance abuse issues. And, it has been noted that addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation but also one of the causes of it. Anxiety and isolation will often be the cause of relapse for many who suffer and it may be a calling to those who have never used to start now.

When a pandemic that requires people to self-isolate crashes headlong into an ongoing epidemic that is fueled by loneliness and isolation, things are going to get increasingly harmful. And that is exactly what is happening as the COVID-19 pandemic crosses paths with the opioid epidemic.

Alternative Therapy

With alternative methods of treating chronic pain, including chiropractic, physical therapy, massage and acupuncture being limited or completely unavailable due to COVID-19, people that have controlled symptoms with no or little medication have nowhere to turn. On top of that, add an overburdened medical system, with every nurse, doctor and other medical professional being called upon to help in this crisis, those who are addicted may be afraid to go to the hospital or urgent care for fear of becoming infected with the virus. There has, however, been in increase in tele-health visits, which is taking pressure off of the healthcare system with in-person encounters. But now a new problem has come up. Due to the “stay-at-home” orders in most states, the doctors are more inclined to prescribe pain killers rather than refer patients for any other kind of treatment.

Catch-22

It’s a definite catch-22 no matter how you look at it. In the pandemic social isolation is going to save lives. In the opioid epidemic social isolation is likely to cause a new addiction, relapse or perhaps even death. I know we have our hands full, but we must find a way to help this very vulnerable segment of our society in the midst of one of our most challenging times.