In 2018, 46,802 individuals died from opioid substance use in the United States. Many individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased health risks, which make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. These direct risks include:
- More likely to contract COVID-19
- Increased risk for hypoxemia
- Triage bias when hospitalized
- Inability to quarantine effectively

Direct Risks of Opioid Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Many individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased health risks, which make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indirect risks include:
- Reallocation of healthcare resources to prioritize COVID-19 patients
- Decreased attempts for opioid intervention
- Greater association between mental health comorbidities and OUD

Indirect Risks of Opioid Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic by Substance

Nicotine use—via both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes—is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. A meta-analysis found that a history of smoking is associated with greater COVID-19 disease progression, and a cross-sectional survey of U.S. adolescents found that e-cigarette and cigarette use is associated with a higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19.

Nicotine Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant concerns regarding elevated alcohol consumption among the general public. Driven by increased psychological distress and social isolation, this rise in alcohol use carried severe risks, including acute consequences like alcohol poisoning and long-term issues such as the development or exacerbation of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Learn Before

Related

Learn After