Emerging Challenges in COVID-19 With Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Background and Objective: People with substance use disorder (SUD) may be easily vulnerable to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Given the impaired lung function caused by COVID-19 may exacerbate the symptoms of patients already having preexisting opioids or central nervous system stimulants use disorder. This narrative review highlights the risks of interactions between COVID-19 and SUD. Methods: This article has systematically reviewed and collated relevant papers and articles identified through PubMed focusing on SUD and COVID-19. Results: SUD is characterized by an array of combined mental, physical, and behavioral symptoms, which is undoubtedly of great public health concern especially in the context of the recent advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The myriad of physiological changes caused by COVID-19 and SUD may be additive or synergistic on various organ functions, hence this review has highlighted potential challenges and possible outcomes because of these interactions. Systematic delineation to parse out the combined COVID-19 and SUD pathology on a given organ function is crucial. Moreover, the primary measures to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic like home confinement and lack of social support may be a significant predictor of relapse in already sober individuals, thus alternate methodologies may be needed to confine this problem. Conclusion: This review highlights the importance of the intertwined epidemics interactions and proposes early measures to recognize the scope of problem at the individual level to prevent future challenges.