Overdose deaths from meth up in LA County

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July 24, 2021 – “We had a high increase in relapse because our meetings were shut down,” she said.

During the height of the pandemic, the report documented nearly 1,400 accidental overdose deaths caused by methamphetamines.

“That means an average of just about four people died every single day from an overdose of meth,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of LA County’s Department of Public Health.

“White and Latinx populations are the two most common groups involved in meth overdose deaths,” said Dr. Gary Tsai, division director of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control with LA County Department of Public Health

All ethnic groups saw spikes.

From March to December 2020, accidental overdose deaths compared to the year before increased 75% among Asians, 68% among Blacks, 56% among Latinx and 42% among Whites.

“Anyone can be impacted by meth at any age and from any cultural background,” said Tsai.

MethFree LA County debuted new television ads to step up awareness and bring people out of isolation. With the help of COVID-19 vaccines, Ferrer said those fighting addiction can seek professional help safely.

“As we reopen fully, it’s a layer of protection that many of us want to make sure we have,” she said.