Coronavirus impact on drug use

An interview with Chris Newlin, Executive Director of the National Child Advocacy Center

On august 25.

New data from around the u.s. confirms that drug overdoses are spiking during the coronavirus pandemic..

Around the country, care providers who work with people in addiction recovery say the grim data is supported by what they're seeing in our communities.

Local counselor mark beaird specializes in substance abuse... he joins us now to talk more about the issue..

Thank you so much for being with us tonight... based on your practice, how has the pandemic impacted people's recovery and the rate at which you are hearing about relapses?

How has the pandemic's disrupted many traditional support networks for people in recovery?

We've reported that street drugs are even more dangerous now because more dealers are lacing products with the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl..

What are you hearing from your clients?

How ahve state and federal agencies have responded to the overdose surge?

Addiction services and public health face are expected to face even more cuts... how does that impact things?

Anything else that would be important for us to know?

Local counselor mark beaird..

Thank you so much for your time tonight.

We have been keeping our eyes on a rough weather system that moved through the area... let's get right to waay 31 chief meteorologist kate mckenna for a look at what's next.