Abstract
4/2020
vol. 33
Letter to the Editor
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and dependence: new risks and challenges
- Mental Health Department of Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
- Equipa de Tratamento de Coimbra, Divisão de Intervenção nos Comportamentos Aditivos e nas Dependências, Coimbra, Portugal
Alcohol Drug Addict 2020; 33 (4): 373-376
Online publish date: 2021/04/19
The COVID-19 pandemic is a stress factor for the general population and has been associated with an increase in mental illnesses and psychoactive substance use disorders. Evidence indicates that there has been a switch in the pattern of use and choice of drugs, with increased use of licit substances such as alcohol. The population with substance use disorders is known to be particularly vulnerable, and this status may be worsened by the current pandemic, with increased risk of infection and severe illness. It is important that health services adapt to the new risks and challenges that this population
faces.
faces.
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, Substance use disorders, Mental disorders, Addiction psychiatry
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