Modernizing regulations for treating opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The opioid epidemic has been the most significant public health crisis in the United States during the past 30 years. In 2021, it was second only to COVID-19. What happens when two epidemics collide and what should policy makers do about it? This article analyzes the burden of COVID-19 on patients with opioid addiction and discusses the beneficial policy changes that improve access to substance abuse care.