COVID-19 and addiction

Abstract

Background and aims: 2019-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is causing insurmountable psychosocial impact on the whole mankind. Marginalized community, particularly those with substance use disorders (SUD), are particularly vulnerable to contract the infection and also likely to suffer from greater psychosocial burden. This article analyses the intricate bi-directional relationship between COVID-19 and addiction.

A global survey on changes in the supply, price and use of illicit drugs and alcohol, and related complications during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

“…Responders mostly reported increases in the behavioral addictions during the current pandemic, which may partly confirm the existing concerns on this matter (38,39). Other small studies suggest increases in addictive behaviors (39)(40)(41).…”

“…Responders mostly reported increases in the behavioral addictions during the current pandemic, which may partly confirm the existing concerns on this matter (38,39). Other small studies suggest increases in addictive behaviors (39)(40)(41). Some forms of gambling may have decreased due to financial uncertainties, occupational problems, cessation of sporting events, closure of casinos and other factors (40,41).…”

Opioids and the COVID-19 pandemic: does chronic opioid use or misuse increase clinical vulnerability?

“…4 The thrust of several papers on opioids and COVID-19 and the main narrative revolves around opioid prescribing, access to opioids, and sociological considerations (e.g. Dubey and colleagues 5 and Khatri and Perrone 6 ). What about the side-effects of opioids in COVID infection?…”

Harm reduction in the time of COVID-19: Case study of homelessness and drug use in Dublin, Ireland

“…It was recognised early on that drug users may face loss of access to supply of drugs and that those on OST may face risks of COVID-19 infection when having their OST dispensed ( Dubey et al., 2020 ; Dunlop et al., 2020 ; Marsden et al., 2020 ; Ornell et al., 2020 ). Thus, it was advised that rapid access to OST and flexibility in delivery of OST were required ( Becker & Fiellin, 2020 ; Dubey et al., 2020 ; Dunlop et al., 2020 ; Heimer, McNeil & Vlahov, 2020 ; Salamat, Hegarty & Patton, 2019 ). As Khatri wrote “we must provide innovative and “low threshold” paths to treatment for new patients while keeping our existing patients engaged in care” ( Khatri & Perrone, 2020 ).…”

“…It was recognised early on in the COVID-19 Pandemic that both homeless and drug-using populations were particularly vulnerable to the effects of coronoavirus infection. This is due to the high morbidity burden of these populations; the poor living conditions they experience and their lack of access to health services ( Alexander, Stoller, Haffajee & Saloner, 2020 ; Baggett et al., 2020 ; Dubey et al., 2020 ; Kar et al., 2020 ; López-Pelayo et al., 2020 ; Marsden et al., 2020 ; McCann Pineo& Schwartz, 2020 ; Mosites et al., 2020 ; Ornell et al., 2020 ; Reece, 2008 ; Tobolowsky et al., 2020 ; Volkow, 2020 ). For example, Albon et al.…”