Insights into the Experiences of Persons with Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 Lockdown in Lagos, Nigeria: A Qualitative Investigation.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the consumption of illicit drugs among Persons with Substance Use Disorders in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: Using convenience sampling, 25 participants, who use different substances consented to participate in the study. Data was collected using in-depth interview guide and thematically analysed using NVivo 12 Plus.

Findings: The findings show that activities of celebrities on social media were motivation for use. There was an increase in the consumption of illicit drugs during the COVID-19 lockdown period among the participants. Participants were able to purchase illicit drugs from street vendors despite the lockdown restriction, while others bought from online retailers - the social media platforms. Participants reported an increase in the price of substances and a reduction in their quantity and quality during the lockdown which may likely account for the increase in consumption reported.

Conclusion: The lockdown, though used in curtailing the spread of COVID-19, had an unintended increase in the consumption of illicit drugs suggesting that drug markets can be resilient and adaptive during global crises.