Supporting Patients with Substance Use Disorders During the Pandemic

January 8, 2021

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

It is becoming increasingly clear that people with substance use disorders are a uniquely vulnerable population with regard to the COVID pandemic. Lockdowns, fears of contracting the COVID-19 virus, and […]

It is becoming increasingly clear that people with substance use disorders are a uniquely vulnerable population with regard to the COVID pandemic. Lockdowns, fears of contracting the COVID-19 virus, and facility closures have contributed to interruptions in care. Social isolation and stress stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic increases susceptibility to substance use and misuse, addiction, relapse, and overdose.

Substance use, especially use of opioids, can lead to changes in the functioning of the immune system and pulmonary function which may increase susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, morbidity, and mortality. Also concerning is the finding that people with substance use disorders have worse COVID-19 outcomes.

In a recent analysis of medical records, researchers observed that having a documented substance disorder during the previous 12 months was associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, including increased risk of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]=1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.69–2.01), ventilator use (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.22–1.72), and mortality (OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.08–1.56). When combined with other medical risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, COPD, or ischemic heart disease, the risk was even higher.

Online Resources for Addiction Treatment and Recovery

The Recovery Research Institute at MGH has put together a list of resources, including a flyer (see below on the right), which provides information on some of the resources available to those who cannot access in-person meetings: