Mount Olive Police say they have seen an "uptick” in drug overdoses and suicide calls in the days since New Jersey implemented lockdowns due to COVID-19.

And social distancing can be a “death sentence” for people who are already drug users, some recovery and harm reduction advocates say.

The coronavirus has forced many people to stay home except for essential purposes, and all non-essential businesses have been closed during the Garden State’s quarantine period. The good news for people suffering with substance abuse or mental health issues exacerbated by social distancing is that drug and alcohol treatment centers have been deemed essential, a spokesperson for Gov. Phil Murphy told NJ Advance Media.

“To the extent they can do work virtually, they should be," the spokesperson said.

The Mount Olive Police Department points to resources in Morris County for anyone struggling during this time. That includes the county prosecutor’s office “Operation Helping Hand," a virtual and telephone support service for people suffering with substance use disorders.

The service offers everything from help finding treatment options to online recovery coaching and Narcan training. It also hosts virtual recovery peer group meetings on Zoom.

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