The COVID-19 virus has seemingly disrupted all aspects of society and life in America. As the pandemic stretches on indefinitely and the country approaches almost ten months of government restrictions, the longer-term implications of the societal shutdown are coming to light, especially the increase in addiction, mental illness, and overdose. The rise in substance use disorders, referred to as the “secondary effect of COVID-19,” is an epidemic in itself that researchers, physicians, and recovery specialists agree must be addressed and battled in conjunction with the virus [1]. This article explores the effects of the pandemic on substance use disorders by looking at the ways in which social isolation impedes treatment and recovery, the connection between mental health illness and addiction, and the impact of the virus in geographical regions with high rates of opioid overdose.