Essential Employees & Drug Overdose: A Real Problem Facing Healthcare Workers

Drug overdoses have been a problem for a long time, but in recent months drug overdose occurrences have been on the rise, in particular overdose deaths related to opioid abuse. With a variety of drugs available and the stress of an ongoing pandemic, essential workers are at great risk of substance abuse and drug overdose. As our healthcare system continues to be strained throughout the pandemic, we are putting our essential healthcare workers at great risk once again when they need support and security. We can help by advocating for support for mental health, reducing the stigma of substance abuse to encourage treatment, and securing financial resources for essential workers through disability insurance benefits.

COVID-19 Impacts Substance Abuse in Healthcare Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an additional strain on all of us, but our healthcare workers have suffered greatly. Healthcare workers have faced more than a year of anxiety and uncertainty in the medical field, watching patients and colleagues contract the potentially deadly disease, dealing with shortages of safety equipment and medical supplies, and battling frequent changes in our understanding of the disease. 

In addition, many healthcare workers were stressed by the risk of exposing loved ones to COVID-19, further isolating these medical professionals from their support systems. With depression, isolation, feelings of helplessness and despair, some healthcare workers have turned to alcohol and/or drug abuse as a coping mechanisms. Providing support to prevent overdoses is vital to keeping our healthcare workers safe.

Finding Substance Abuse Help for Essential Employees

There are resources available to help essential employees combat substance abuse and avoid drug overdose. There are traditional rehabilitation and support groups for those overcoming substance abuse. Therapy is encouraged as well to identify why and how substance abuse has taken over someone’s life, especially in light of the pandemic. Fortunately, there has been a rise in telehealth offerings during the pandemic, allowing healthcare workers to get the help they need while remaining at a safe distance from healthcare providers to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to seeking medical care and rehabilitation for substance abuse, healthcare workers should consider any available options for disability insurance benefits. While many face uncertainty due to COVID-19 and the dangers of substance abuse and addiction, there are resources available. Working with an addiction attorney to secure your disability insurance benefits can provide peace of mind that someone is advocating on your behalf. Seltzer & Associates has an established history of working with insurance companies nationwide to secure disability insurance benefits for clients with attention to your illness, and the diligence required to obtain the benefits to which you are entitled.

Contact a Philadelphia Substance Abuse Lawyer 

At Seltzer & Associates, we understand that recovery takes time. If you are suffering from substance abuse issues, or you have experienced an overdose, we are here for you and will treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve throughout the disability insurance claims process. Do not hesitate to contact Seltzer & Associates to discuss your claim for disability insurance benefits.