Coronavirus image by CDC on Unsplash
Photo by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Unsplash

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the illness COVID-19, can produce serious threats to health, especially in certain high-risk populations. People who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction may be among the most vulnerable. The directors of both The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have issued personal statements warning of possible health risks related to COVID-19 (NIDA, 2020 and Koob, 2020).

Since those who struggle with addiction often have pre-existing health conditions and lack optimal medical care— or are too stigmatized to seek and find care— it is imperative that they have updated information on the intersection of COVID-19 and addiction. Moreover, since many cities have implemented stay-at-home and quarantine orders, it is more important than ever that this information be available online. This blog aims to monitor and report the most recent information on the relationship between COVID-19 and addiction.

References

Koob, George F. Alcohol poses different challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. NIAAA Director’s Blog. April 2020.

NIDA. (2020, April 2). NIDA Director outlines potential risks to people who smoke and use drugs during COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/announcement/nida-director-outlin… on May 16, 2020.

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