Substance consumption styles during the COVID-19 lockdown for socially integrated people who use drugs

Pavarin, Raimondo Maria; Bettelli, Sara; Nostrani, Elia; Mazzotta, Chiara; Salsano, Valentina; Ulgheri, Anna Laura; Lentidoro, Alessandra; Pezzi, Annalisa; Bregli, Claudia

doi:10.1080/14659891.2021.1923842

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 21 publications

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“…So far, there have only been some studies in Germany that have surveyed consumers about the effects of the lockdown on drug use. The impact was relatively small (Scherbaum et al 2021 ; Pavarin et al 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drug consumption in German cities and municipalities during the COVID-19 lockdown: a wastewater analysis

Oertel

Schubert

Helm

et al. 2023

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol

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Analysis of illicit drugs, medicines, and pathogens in wastewater is a powerful tool for epidemiological studies to monitor public health trends. The aims of this study were to (i) assess spatial and temporal trends of population-normalized mass loads of illicit drugs and nicotine in raw wastewater in the time of regulations against SARS-CoV-2 infections (2020–21) and (ii) find substances that are feasible markers for characterizing the occurrence of selected drugs in wastewater. Raw sewage 24-h composite samples were collected in catchment areas of 15 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in urban, small-town, and rural areas in Germany during different lockdown phases from April 2020 to December 2021. Parent substances (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and metoprolol) and the metabolites of cocaine (benzoylecgonine) and nicotine (cotinine) were measured. The daily discharge of WWTP influents were used to calculate the daily load (mg/day) normalized by population equivalents (PE) in drained catchment areas (in mg/1,000 persons/day). A weekend trend for illicit drugs was visible with higher amounts on Saturdays and Sundays in larger WWTPs. An influence of the regulations to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infections such as contact bans and border closures on drug consumption has been proven in some cases and refuted in several. In addition, metoprolol and cotinine were found to be suitable as marker substances for the characterization of wastewater. A change in drug use was visible at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 crisis. Thereafter from mid-2020, no obvious effect was detected with regard to the regulations against SARS-CoV-2 infections on concentration of drugs in wastewater. Wastewater-based epidemiology is suitable for showing changes in drug consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drug consumption in German cities and municipalities during the COVID-19 lockdown: a wastewater analysis

Oertel

Schubert

Helm

et al. 2023

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol

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Mortality risk for individuals with cannabis use disorders in relation to alcohol use disorders: Results of a follow-up study

Pavarin¹

2022

Psychiatry Research

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Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Mehra,

Rup,

Wiese

et al. 2023

BMC Public Health

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health and substance use (MHSU) issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the literature on changes in cannabis use during the pandemic and the factors associated with such changes. Methods We conducted a scoping review by searching peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2022 using the Arksey and O’Malley Framework. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 4235 documents. We extracted data from 129 documents onto a data extraction form and collated results using content analytical techniques. Results Nearly half (48%) of the studies reported an increase/initiation of cannabis use, while 36% studies reported no change, and 16% reported a decrease/cessation of cannabis use during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased cannabis use included socio-demographic factors (e.g., younger age), health related factors (e.g., increased symptom burden), MHSU factors (e.g., anxiety, depression), pandemic-specific reactions (e.g., stress, boredom, social isolation), cannabis-related factors (e.g., dependence), and policy-related factors (e.g., legalization of medical/recreational cannabis). Conclusion Public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to significantly impact cannabis use. The pandemic has placed urgency on improving coping mechanisms and supports that help populations adapt to major and sudden life changes. To better prepare health care systems for future pandemics, wide-reaching education on how pandemic-related change impacts cannabis use is needed.

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Substance consumption styles during the COVID-19 lockdown for socially integrated people who use drugs

Cited by 4 publications

References 21 publications

Drug consumption in German cities and municipalities during the COVID-19 lockdown: a wastewater analysis

Drug consumption in German cities and municipalities during the COVID-19 lockdown: a wastewater analysis

Mortality risk for individuals with cannabis use disorders in relation to alcohol use disorders: Results of a follow-up study

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

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