Pandemic tied to surge of fatal overdoses

Isolation, economic downturn, barriers to care complicate recoveries

Justin Arnold, 32, of Whitehall, knew how to build. Between painting, installing drywall and putting in floors, he helped to renovate homes in Allegheny County for people recovering from substance-use disorders.

But Mr. Arnold also knew addiction himself, fighting the disease for years before an overdose ended his life in August, his uncle Gus DiRenna said. The coronavirus pandemic “didn’t help matters at all,” making it easier for Mr. Arnold to buy narcotics — with government relief money — as he dealt with social isolation.

“We tried to surround him with love. Countless times we took him to rehab,” Mr. DiRenna, 61, of Mount Oliver, recalled last week. “We know Justin as a kind, caring, loving young man.”

Three years after Allegheny County saw a record 737 overdose deaths, the county appears likely to set a new high this year, according to data from the county Office of the Medical Examiner. As of Dec. 11, figures for 2020 included 513 accidental overdose deaths and 249 pending investigations into suspected overdose deaths — a likely total of 762 fatalities, with a few weeks left in the year.

While overdose deaths climbed roughly 16% last year, fatalities this year may double that pace as the pandemic complicates recoveries, keeps people from their families and, at times, makes illegal drugs easier to buy. Isolation intensified by winter weather and recent public health directives — pressing people to stay home — could make the next few months

Andrew Rush/Post-Gazette Kelley Carico, 29, of Hermitage, who assists people in the recovery process at UPMC Horizon in Mercer County, estimated her caseload has grown by about 20% during the pandemic.