Developments in Drug Addiction During COVID-19-An Austrian Perspective Based on a Clinical Sample.

Isabella Fuchs-Leitner,Nikolas W Gerstgrasser,Jan Rosenleitner,Kurosch Yazdi

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.602033

Isabella Fuchs-Leitner, Nikolas W Gerstgrasser + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.602033

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Abstract

Concerns about the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with substance use disorder (SUD) were raised by experts in the field around the world. Here we provide an Austrian perspective, discussing the impact of the pandemic on help-seeking patient with drug use disorder during the initial stage of the pandemic. Our perspectives are based on the situation as perceived at our clinical facility, and supported by original data collected from a small clinical sample of patients with drug use disorder (N = 32). The viewpoints and related descriptive data include the perceived individual impact of COVID-19, as well as various aspects of drug use behavior and the Austrian drug market before and after the onset of the pandemic. The consequences for a subgroup of patients in opioid substitution treatment (N = 24) are discussed. Surprisingly and in contrast to anticipated developments, we had the impression of a rather stable situation in Austria, at least at this early stage of the pandemic. The immediate impact of COVID-19 on these help-seeking patients with high levels of drug dependency seemed less severe than anticipated so far. Importantly, this observation might be a short-term effect for this already fragile group and careful monitoring of further developments as well as preparation of long-term strategies are advised. In general, problematic drug use is associated with many health risk factors and finding appropriate long-term health care strategies has to remain a top priority facing the pandemic. Our perspectives are restricted to observations from help-seeking patients at our clinic, and no conclusions for the general population can be directly drawn.

Highlights

Experts around the world have clearly articulated their concerns about the impact and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health
At the initial stage of the pandemic, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of incidents and mortality has been less severe in Austria compared to other countries in Europe and worldwide
From our point of view as a clinical facility treating patients with drug use disorder, drug use behavior, and the drug market seemed less directly affected by COVID-19 than anticipated in Austria, at least at the initial stage of the pandemic

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Experts around the world have clearly articulated their concerns about the impact and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health. These aspects include high levels of unemployment, financial instability, health problems, social isolation, and psychological stress This might be a reason why the observed direct impact of COVID-19 on drug use behavior seems less severe at this initial stage, but can result in fatal long-term effects, if no specific treatment for this group is provided. While this might be true for other countries or in other populations with lower levels of drug dependency like recreational drug users or social substance use, our results did not confirm this anticipation This observation is restricted to the initial stage of the pandemic, but we do not expect a long-term diminution for this specific population due to lack of drug availability or increase in pricing. Emphasizing the increase of potential overdoses for persons who use drugs due to many factors brought along by COVID-19 should be implemented in current health care strategies

DISCUSSION

Findings

ETHICS STATEMENT