Natural disasters can cause another crisis for those recovering from opioid addiction
Natural disasters like Hurricane Helene can severely disrupt access to opioid addiction medications, putting those in recovery at risk of relapse. Patients often face logistical, regulatory, and financial barriers when trying to refill prescriptions during emergencies. Doctors are urging federal and state governments to integrate addiction treatment needs into disaster planning. Without systemic changes, climate-related disasters may worsen the ongoing opioid crisis.
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Health Natural disasters can cause another crisis for those recovering from opioid addiction April 28, 202610:46 AM ET From By Andrew Jones Natural disasters like Hurricane Helene which struck areas of the Southeast in 2024, including Asheville, N.C., can pose an additional crisis for people who need to access medications for addiction recovery. JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images A day after Hurricane Helene ripped through western North Carolina in late September 2024, Toni Brewer had no power or water. The storm had strewn fallen trees across most roads, wiped out phone and internet communications, and put some neighborhoods near her Asheville home under water.
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