Harm reduction and abstinence-based models for treatment of substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global perspective

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected treatment services for people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Based on the perspectives of service providers from eight countries, we discuss the impact of the pandemic on SUD treatment services. Although many countries quickly adapted in provision of harm reduction services by changes in policy and service delivery, some went into a forced abstinence-based strategy. Similarly, disruption of abstinence-based approaches such as therapeutic communities has been reported. Global awareness is crucial for responsible management of SUDs during the pandemic, and the development of international health policy guidelines is an urgent need in this area.

The Potential for Managed Alcohol Programmes in Scotland during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Exploration of Key Areas for Implementation Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

“…Harm reduction and abstinence-based approaches can be and often are delivered in parallel to meet the wide range of needs and preferences of those experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence [ 40 , 41 ]. The COVID-19 pandemic facilitated changes towards harm reduction in many areas, with Narasimha et al (2022) noting the piloting of MAPs in the US as a key example of this [ 42 ].…”

Addiction medicine in modern contexts: hot topics from around the globe

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected treatment services for people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Based on the perspectives of service providers from eight countries, the first article on our theme, by Narasimha et al, 2 discusses the impact of the pandemic on SUD treatment services. Although many countries quickly adapted in provision of harm reduction services by changes in policy and service delivery, some adopted a forced abstinence-based strategy.…”

“…This is compounded by the long-standing position of this region as one of the largest opium production sites globally. 2 These instabilities prevent health and social care systems from providing and sustaining harmonised and integrated effective services. Additionally, increased production and availability of different types of stimulant, especially captagon, has also become a major drug problem in the region 3 (Fig.…”

“…Hossein Mohaddes Ardabili, 1 Abolfazl Akbari,2 Parnian Rafei,3 Jenna Butner,4 Riaz Khan, 5 Yasser Khazaal, 6 Abdulmalik Zuhair Arab, 7 Mohammed Rafiq Qazizada, 8 Basma Al-Ansari 9 and Alexander Mario Baldacchino 10…”

Seeking care where they can: A systematic review of global trends in online alcohol treatment utilization among non-veteran and veteran women

“…At the same time, restrictions to traditional, in-person treatment were implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely affected access to substance use treatment across the globe (see Narasimha et al., 2022 for a review). Stay-at-home orders and fear of contracting COVID-19 also contributed to reduced help seeking behavior ( Gibson et al., 2022 ; Jackson et al., 2021 ; Livingston et al., 2022 ).…”