The tragic worldwide impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic and its associated illness, COVID-19, have affected societies, countries, and peoples with personal and economic hardships, health challenges, and many deaths. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders have become the norm. The long-lasting consequences to public health systems, hospitals, and healthcare systems around the world has been immense. Despite the lockdown, new research and information is coming out to help us understand how this pandemic affects those using controlled substances and the way addiction and recovery treatment centers provide services, follow mandates, and distance recommendations. SALIS members from around the World have been sharing through our member Listserv Resources on Substance Use Disorder-Related to COVID-19, and here is a selection:
The Society for the Study of Addiction (U.K.):
COVID-19 (coronavirus) hot topic
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Resources:
Impacts of COVID-19 on Substance Use
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction:
COVID-19 and Drugs
Boston Medical Center (U.S.): COVID-19 Recovery-focused Resources
Addiction Journal
Compilations of Addiction‘s weekly COVID-19 and Addiction bibliographies.
01 January 2020 – 31 August 2020
01 September 2020 – 08 November 2020
National Harm Reduction Coalition (U.S.):
Harm Reduction Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA recognizes the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 situation and is providing the following Guidance and Resources to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states across the country:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources & Information
Implications for COVID-19 and Complex PTSD for Opioid Use Disorder (Webinar, July 16, 2020)
The Opioid Epidemic and COVID-19: How Social Determinants of Health Create Differential Impacts (Webinar, April 2020)
Substance Use Disorder Services in the Days of a Pandemic: You Need A Bigger Boat! (Webinar, March 20, 2020)
Great Lakes ATTC and Mid-America ATTC: SUD Treatment (Webinar discussing operational changes for Substance Use Disorder residential treatment providers)
A Guide to Using Text Messages to Improve Substance Use Treatment Outcomes (PDF, 2019)
COVID-19 Resources for Specific Populations:
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.): People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions (older adults, minority groups, people experiencing homeless or with disabilities, among others.)
Coronavirus, COVID-19, and Considerations for People Living with HIV and LGBTQIA+ People (Report by Fenway Health (U.S.), PDF, March 2020)
If you want SALIS to share your resources related to addictions, substance use, and recovery treatment, send it to us.