From Edmond Sun, April 15, 2020
An estimated 2,100 Oklahoma children will be newly affected by substance use disorders in their homes this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statewide study released this month by the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative concluded that as isolation and unemployment increase, new drug and alcohol addictions would occur in 13,000 Oklahoma adults. U.S. Census data ties that to about 2,100 children living with those adults who will also be affected.
“We’ve already seen data pointing to frightening increases in domestic violence and alcohol consumption,” said Edmond-based Peaceful Family Solutions Executive Director Ted Streuli. “The Healthy Minds study shows that illicit drug use will also rise, as will the suicide rate. We are concerned about the effect that has on children living in those households who don’t even have their schools and churches to attend for relief.”
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