Abstract
Background:The unprecedented first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted mental health services globally. However, the negative impact of such disruptions on people with substance use disorders (SUD) seeking treatment remains unclear. We aim to explore the behaviors adopted by these individuals to overcome the service disruptions.Materials and Methods:We explored the changes related to substance use behavior (quit attempts, withdrawal experienced, treatment-seeking, and risky behaviors), and behavioral changes in response to COVID-19 lockdown. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 people with SUD seeking treatment from seven centers across India. They were assessed by a specially designed structured questionnaire during the first wave (June–September) of the pandemic.Results:An overwhelming majority experienced withdrawal symptoms, with close to half making quit attempts and seeking treatment during the lockdown. Three-fourth of the sample reported difficulty in accessing treatment services and medications. Patients with opioid use were significantly more likely to think about quitting (χ2 = 20.408, P = 0.000), make attempts (χ2 = 12.436, P = 0.000), seek treatment (χ2 = 7.536, P = 0.006), and self-medicate for withdrawal symptoms (χ2 = 5.885, P = 0.015). In turn, those with alcohol use were more likely to use telepsychiatry services (χ2 = 35.143, P = 0.000) and experience stigma by family members (χ2 = 29.951, P = 0.000) and neighbors (χ2 = 17.725, P = 0.000). Among COVID-19 safety precautions, majority practised wearing masks and social distancing but not others.Conclusion:COVID-19 lockdown led a significant proportion of substance users, especially opioid users, to make quit attempts and seek help. However, these could not be sustained due to difficulty in accessing treatment services. Further, significant proportion failed to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.