Nothing at all to do with Washington’s COVID policies. Nothing </satire>
SEATTLE — More Washington residents died of drug overdoses in 2020 than any other year in at least the last decade, as people, struggling with the social isolation and loss of routine stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic turned to substances more often, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health.
Fatal drug overdoses increased by more than 30% over 2019, according to the data, an increase more than twice as large as any other year in the past decade.
Deadly opioid overdoses — from prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl and other similar substances — increased even faster, by nearly 40%, according to the data, more than triple the rate of any other increase in the past decade.
The numbers are likely to get worse. The Department of Health is still analyzing the preliminary data and causes of death in specific cases, and they expect the number of overdose deaths to grow even higher.
“It is reasonable to believe the psychological, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 led to an increase in drug use,” said Kristen Maki, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health.
And many more people reached out for help with drug or alcohol problems during 2020, according to state data.