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Mehra K, Rup J, Wiese JL, Watson TM, Bonato S, Rueda S. Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2139. [PMID: 37915021 PMCID: PMC10621278 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health and substance use (MHSU) issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the literature on changes in cannabis use during the pandemic and the factors associated with such changes. METHODS We conducted a scoping review by searching peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2022 using the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 4235 documents. We extracted data from 129 documents onto a data extraction form and collated results using content analytical techniques. RESULTS Nearly half (48%) of the studies reported an increase/initiation of cannabis use, while 36% studies reported no change, and 16% reported a decrease/cessation of cannabis use during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased cannabis use included socio-demographic factors (e.g., younger age), health related factors (e.g., increased symptom burden), MHSU factors (e.g., anxiety, depression), pandemic-specific reactions (e.g., stress, boredom, social isolation), cannabis-related factors (e.g., dependence), and policy-related factors (e.g., legalization of medical/recreational cannabis). CONCLUSION Public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to significantly impact cannabis use. The pandemic has placed urgency on improving coping mechanisms and supports that help populations adapt to major and sudden life changes. To better prepare health care systems for future pandemics, wide-reaching education on how pandemic-related change impacts cannabis use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamna Mehra
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rup
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Jessica L Wiese
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Tara Marie Watson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Sarah Bonato
- Library Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Sergio Rueda
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
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Gili A, Lancia M, Gambelunghe A, Tomassini L, Nicoletti A, Aroni K, Gambelunghe C. Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Drug/Alcohol Use Prevalence in a Population with Substance Use Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6261. [PMID: 37444108 PMCID: PMC10341792 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
As time passes, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming increasingly apparent. The extreme restrictions imposed during the pandemic have had detrimental impacts on the most vulnerable groups, such as individuals suffering from substance and/or alcohol disorders (SUDs). This study reports quarterly laboratory data on alcohol and drug use in 150 subjects with SUDs that were examined using hair analysis for 2 years before the start of pandemic until after the end of the Italian health emergency. Overall, it was found that the number of subjects who used heroin, cocaine, and MDMA all decreased during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns, increasing during reopening and subsequently stabilizing close to pre-COVID levels. Cannabis use was less impacted, remaining stable throughout the pandemic. Alcohol and benzodiazepine use both increased significantly during the lockdowns, displaying an opposing trend. While benzodiazepine use progressively returned to baseline levels, alcohol remained at significantly increased levels, even in September 2022. Long-term heavy drinking combined with substance use should be seriously considered, since these results in several health and social problems alongside alcohol-related comorbidities. Thus, appropriate response plans should be implemented both during and after the pandemic, whilst focusing on those who are most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gili
- Hygiene and Public Health Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Massimo Lancia
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (L.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Angela Gambelunghe
- Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Luca Tomassini
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (L.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Alessia Nicoletti
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (L.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Kyriaki Aroni
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (L.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Cristiana Gambelunghe
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (L.T.); (K.A.)
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Lake S, Assaf RD, Gorbach PM, Cooper ZD. Changes in secondary substance use after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among people who use cannabis: Findings from a web-based sample of adults in the United States. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 31:482-490. [PMID: 35467920 PMCID: PMC9592680 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread impacts on mental health and substance use. Increases in cannabis use have been documented in the United States, but little is known about how other substance use has changed among people who use cannabis. We sought to examine changes in alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use during COVID-19 and explore how these changes relate to patterns of cannabis use. Data were obtained from a web-based survey of adults in the United States who use cannabis (n = 1,471) administered in September 2020. Using data reported in retrospective (prepandemic) and time-of-survey assessment periods, we explored changes in the prevalence of regular (≥ weekly) alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use during COVID-19 among respondents who used medical and nonmedical cannabis. We used modified Poisson regression to examine cannabis-related correlates of increasing or decreasing secondary substance use during the pandemic. There was a slight but significant increase in ≥weekly alcohol use in the medical use group only (41.4%-47.0%, p = .034). ≥ Weekly tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use did not change significantly. Pandemic-concurrent shifts in secondary substance use depended on interacting cannabis-related factors including medical cannabis use, prepandemic cannabis frequency, and pandemic-concurrent frequency changes. For example, ≥ weekly prepandemic cannabis use was significantly and positively associated with decreasing opioid use frequency among the medical cannabis use group only. Assessments of the pandemic's effects on substance use should consider relationships between cannabis and other substances, which may differ according to cannabis-specific behaviors, motives, and contexts of use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lake
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ryan D. Assaf
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
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4
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Lake S, Assaf RD, Gorbach PM, Cooper ZD. Selective Changes in Medical Cannabis Use Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Web-Based Sample of Adults in the United States. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:174-183. [PMID: 35073161 PMCID: PMC9940798 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impacts on mental health and substance use. While increases in nonmedical cannabis use during COVID-19 have been documented among people who use cannabis across a diversity of settings, changes in specific medical applications of cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been characterized. We sought to examine changes in the prevalence, frequency, and mode of use of medical cannabis for a range of commonly treated conditions and symptoms during COVID-19. Methods: Data were obtained from an online survey of a sample of adults in the United States who use cannabis (n=1886), administered in September 2020. This study was restricted to participants who self-reported past-year medical cannabis use (n=598). Using data reported in a retrospective (pre-COVID) and current assessment period, we examined changes in cannabis use prevalence, frequency, and inhalation as the primary mode of administration for 11 commonly treated conditions. Results: There were slight but statistically significant increases in weekly (from 21.4% to 23.4%) and daily (from 16.2% to 20.7%) self-reported medical cannabis use during COVID-19 (p<0.001). Anxiety was the only specific therapeutic purpose for which daily cannabis use increased statistically significantly during COVID-19 (18.5% to 25.4%; p=0.004). In multivariable logistic regression, the odds of increasing cannabis use for anxiety during COVID-19 were statistically significantly higher for women, respondents from Western states, and states with legal medical and nonmedical cannabis. Discussion: We detected slight shifts toward higher frequencies of medical cannabis use during COVID-19. Disaggregated by therapeutic indication, daily cannabis use to manage anxiety increased during the pandemic. There is a need to assess whether changes in cannabis use that coincided with the pandemic will be sustained over time, and how these changes are connected to mental health outcomes, particularly among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lake
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ryan D. Assaf
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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5
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Benotsch EG, Wall CSJ, Mason KL, Smout SA, Coston BE, Carrico MA, O'Neill KA, Tinsley J, Stanford MK, Yan D, Pham A. Use of substances to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic among transgender and gender diverse adults. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:129-139. [PMID: 36786769 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2165939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Studies have found changes in substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic in specific populations. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have experienced greater distress compared to cisgender individuals during the pandemic; however, there is little research on substance use among TGD individuals during this sensitive time period.Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine distress from COVID-19 and coping via substance use including alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) among TGD adults.Method: An online survey assessing substance use, general psychiatric symptoms, and COVID-19 anxiety was completed by 342 TGD individuals (16.4% transfeminine, 19.6% transmasculine, 64.0% Gender Diverse) in June/July 2020. Chi-square and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses examined the connections between distress, coping, and substance use.Results: Seventy-one percent of participants reported no changes in substance use since the start of the pandemic and 22% reported an increase in substance use. Increased substance use was associated with alcohol (p < .001), cannabis (p < .001), and combustible tobacco (p < .001) use in the prior three months. SEM showed significant direct effects between distress and substance use coping, substance use coping and recent drug use, and an indirect effect of distress on recent drug use through substance use coping (β = .31, p = .001).Conclusion: Results highlight the risk of substance use to cope with COVID-19-related stress in a large sample of a minoritized population with mental health disparities. Transmasculine and gender diverse participants were especially likely to report using substances to cope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric G Benotsch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Catherine S J Wall
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kyle Liam Mason
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Shelby A Smout
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - B Ethan Coston
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mary A Carrico
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kathleen A O'Neill
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jayda Tinsley
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mary K Stanford
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dongmei Yan
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - An Pham
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA
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6
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Hawdon J, Parti K, Dearden T. Changes in Online Illegal Drug Buying during COVID-19: Assessing Effects due to a Changing Market or Changes in Strain using a Longitudinal Sample Design. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE : AJCJ 2022; 47:712-734. [PMID: 36407841 PMCID: PMC9649405 DOI: 10.1007/s12103-022-09698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This research uses longitudinal data to investigate if illegal online drug purchases changed over time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if these changes were primarily driven by users adjusting to market conditions or by a heightened level of pandemic-induced strain that could drive a greater demand for drugs. Data were collected across four waves between fall 2019 and fall 2021 using an online survey. Data showed an increase in reported online drug purchases across the waves, but the online drug purchases remained consistent for the first year of the pandemic, but increased by approximately 44% between the fall 2020 and fall 2021 when over 13 percent of the sample admitted to buying illegal drugs online. Strain was also related to buying illegal drugs online as those respondents who made illegal online purchased had an average of 5.2 strain events in the past 12 months compared to only 2.4 events among those who did not report purchasing illegal drugs online. However, the influence of strain on online purchases remained consistent across time. These results suggest that the increase in online drug purchases was primarily driven by users adapting to changing market conditions rather than the cumulative strains associated with the pandemic producing a greater effect on purchases. Policy implications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hawdon
- Virginia Tech, 495 Old Turner St. 205a Norris Hall MC 0911, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Katalin Parti
- Virginia Tech, 495 Old Turner St. 205a Norris Hall MC 0911, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Thomas Dearden
- Virginia Tech, 495 Old Turner St. 205a Norris Hall MC 0911, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
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7
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Drug use trajectories among U.S. adults during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:145-150. [PMID: 35939999 PMCID: PMC9339074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study characterized the prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics, and behavioral health of U.S. adult subpopulations with distinct drug use trajectories during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adult respondents (n = 8306) in a nationally-representative longitudinal study completed 13 monthly web surveys (March 2020-March 2021). Frequency of past-week drug use, cannabis use, and alcohol use (range:0-7), as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms, were assessed at each survey. Growth mixture models were used to parse out distinct subpopulations with homogenous drug use trajectories based on mean drug use days over time. Four drug use trajectories were identified: Stable Abstinence (85.7% [95%CI = 85.0-86.5] of the sample) with <1 mean past-week drug use days; Escalating Infrequent Use (7.1% [95%CI = 6.6-7.7]) with 0.2 March mean past-week drug use days and increases from April to October; Use Cessation (4.3% [95%CI = 3.8-4.7]) with 1.1 March mean past-week drug use days that initially increased, then sharply decreased to near zero; and Stable Frequent Use (2.9% [95%CI = 2.5-3.3]) with between 2.4 and 3.5 past-week drug use days across the study period. Compared to the stable abstinence group, the other subgroups were more likely to be Hispanic or Black, younger in age, unemployed, below the federal poverty line, and less likely to have a college degree or be married. They also reported higher levels of alcohol and cannabis use, as well as higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. These results provide opportunities to optimize the targeted delivery of preventive interventions for substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies.
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8
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Chong WWY, Acar ZI, West ML, Wong F. A Scoping Review on the Medical and Recreational Use of Cannabis During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:591-602. [PMID: 34981958 PMCID: PMC9587770 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Introduction: The shelter-in-place orders and social distancing regulations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted lifestyles, including the use of cannabis. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize both the gray and academic literature on the use of cannabis during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 11 databases, including 2 medical databases, 7 social science databases, and 2 gray literature databases were searched resulting in 316 titles and abstracts of which 76 met inclusion criteria. Results: Nine themes emerged: (a) prevalence and trends of cannabis use during COVID[1]19; (b) demographics; (c) profile of mode of consumption; (d) context of using cannabis (i.e., solitary use vs. in groups); (e) factors contributing to use; (f) factors inhibiting use; (g) adverse clinical and psychiatric outcomes of cannabis use during the pandemic; (h) similarities between EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) and COVID-19 symptoms; (i) implications for policy and practice. Studies published until February 2, 2021 were included in this review. Discussion: Findings have highlighted that feelings of boredom, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic have contributed to an increase in the use of cannabis. Furthermore, accessibility to cannabis was noted to affect use during the pandemic. Adverse psychiatric and clinical outcomes were associated with the increased use of cannabis. Conclusion: Practitioners and policymakers are called to employ harm reduction strategies to respond to increasing cannabis use. There is a need for population-based studies and further examination of factors contributing to the increased use of cannabis during the pandemic and associated negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Wing-Yee Chong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeynep Ilgaz Acar
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Lee West
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francis Wong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Temporal monitoring of stimulants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium through the analysis of influent wastewater. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 104:103679. [PMID: 35427945 PMCID: PMC8977453 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Jessell L, Zaidi I, Dominguez-Gomez L, Harocopos A. Collecting Data During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons From an In-Person Survey of People Who Use Opioids. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:272-277. [PMID: 35023400 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211063473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, much in-person data collection has been suspended or become tele-remote. However, tele-remote methods often exclude marginalized groups, including people who use drugs, many of whom lack the technology to participate. To inform future surveillance and research during the pandemic and other public health disasters, we report methods and lessons learned from an in-person survey of people who use opioids conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS This public health surveillance was a component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Overdose Data to Action initiative and aimed to inform overdose prevention efforts. Survey domains inquired about participants' drug use patterns, risk behaviors, overdose history, and service use. RESULTS From June 16 through September 9, 2020, DOHMH staff members conducted 329 surveys with participants from 4 syringe service programs (n = 148, 44.9%) and via street intercept (n = 81, 55.1%). To survey participants safely and effectively, it was important to build rapport upfront so that requests to maintain distance were not perceived as stigmatizing. DOHMH staff members offered all participants, regardless of survey eligibility, Narcan and hygiene products, including face masks and soap. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Surveys administered outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic should be limited to 30 minutes. Although conducting in-person surveys poses unique challenges, this method should be considered so marginalized populations are included in data collection and public health responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jessell
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care, and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY, USA
| | - Izza Zaidi
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care, and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Dominguez-Gomez
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care, and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY, USA
| | - Alex Harocopos
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care, and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY, USA
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11
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Merrill JE, Stevens AK, Jackson KM, White HR. Changes in Cannabis Consumption Among College Students During COVID-19. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:55-63. [PMID: 35040760 PMCID: PMC8819900 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2022.83.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE College campuses closed in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the lives of students. The goal of the present study was to examine whether cannabis use changed from before campus departures prompted by COVID-19 to after campus departures and after the semester ended--and if living situation explained observed changes. We also examined changes in specific formulations of cannabis and self-reported reasons for perceived changes in use frequency. METHOD A sample of 223 college student cannabis users (61% female) from three universities completed two online surveys (one in May 2020 assessing cannabis use pre-campus closure [pre-closure] and since campus closed [post-closure-1], and another in September 2020 assessing cannabis use since remote classes ended [post-closure-2]). RESULTS Any use of cannabis and use of each specific formulation (leaf, edibles, concentrates) declined from pre-closure to post-closure-1, whereas the frequency of use did not change. Any cannabis use declined for those who stayed living dependently or moved to dependent living. Leaf use declined for all groups, concentrate use declined only for those who moved from independent to dependent living, and edible use declined only for those who stayed living dependently or moved to dependent living. Cannabis use did not change between post-closure-1 and post-closure-2, regardless of living situation stability or transition. CONCLUSIONS Overall, among a sample of cannabis-using college students, the prevalence of any cannabis use, but not frequency of use, was reduced during the pandemic. Living with parents appears to be protective against frequent cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Merrill
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Angela K. Stevens
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kristina M. Jackson
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Helene R. White
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies and Department of Sociology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
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12
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Zolopa C, Burack JA, O’Connor RM, Corran C, Lai J, Bomfim E, DeGrace S, Dumont J, Larney S, Wendt DC. Changes in Youth Mental Health, Psychological Wellbeing, and Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review. ADOLESCENT RESEARCH REVIEW 2022; 7:161-177. [PMID: 35252542 PMCID: PMC8881192 DOI: 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers around the world have made efforts to assess its impact on youth mental health; however, the breadth of this topic has impeded a clear assessment of pandemic outcomes. This study aimed to address this gap by reviewing changes in youth (age ≤ 25) mental health, psychological wellbeing, substance use, and the use or delivery of relevant services during the pandemic. PubMed and Embase were searched in May 2021 to conduct a rapid review of the literature. The results encompass 156 primary publications and are reported using a narrative synthesis. Studies of mental health (n = 122) and psychological wellbeing (n = 28) generally indicated poor outcomes in many settings. Publications regarding substance use (n = 41) noted overall declines or unchanged patterns. Studies of service delivery (n = 12) indicated a generally positive reception for helplines and telehealth, although some youth experienced difficulties accessing services. The findings indicate negative impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health, with mixed results for substance use. Services must support marginalized youth who lack access to telehealth. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Zolopa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
| | - Jacob A. Burack
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Roisin M. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Charlotte Corran
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Jessica Lai
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Emiliana Bomfim
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Sarah DeGrace
- Department of Psychiatry, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - Julianne Dumont
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 boulevard d’Edouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Dennis C. Wendt
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
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Merrill JE, Stevens AK, Jackson KM, White HR. Changes in Cannabis Consumption Among College Students During COVID-19. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:55-63. [PMID: 35040760 PMCID: PMC8819900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE College campuses closed in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the lives of students. The goal of the present study was to examine whether cannabis use changed from before campus departures prompted by COVID-19 to after campus departures and after the semester ended--and if living situation explained observed changes. We also examined changes in specific formulations of cannabis and self-reported reasons for perceived changes in use frequency. METHOD A sample of 223 college student cannabis users (61% female) from three universities completed two online surveys (one in May 2020 assessing cannabis use pre-campus closure [pre-closure] and since campus closed [post-closure-1], and another in September 2020 assessing cannabis use since remote classes ended [post-closure-2]). RESULTS Any use of cannabis and use of each specific formulation (leaf, edibles, concentrates) declined from pre-closure to post-closure-1, whereas the frequency of use did not change. Any cannabis use declined for those who stayed living dependently or moved to dependent living. Leaf use declined for all groups, concentrate use declined only for those who moved from independent to dependent living, and edible use declined only for those who stayed living dependently or moved to dependent living. Cannabis use did not change between post-closure-1 and post-closure-2, regardless of living situation stability or transition. CONCLUSIONS Overall, among a sample of cannabis-using college students, the prevalence of any cannabis use, but not frequency of use, was reduced during the pandemic. Living with parents appears to be protective against frequent cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Merrill
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island,Correspondence may be sent to Jennifer E. Merrill at the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912, or via email at:
| | - Angela K. Stevens
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kristina M. Jackson
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Helene R. White
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies and Department of Sociology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
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Price O, Man N, Bruno R, Dietze P, Salom C, Lenton S, Grigg J, Gibbs D, Wilson T, Degenhardt L, Chan R, Thomas N, Peacock A. Changes in illicit drug use and markets with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions: findings from the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System, 2016-20. Addiction 2022; 117:182-194. [PMID: 34159666 PMCID: PMC8441814 DOI: 10.1111/add.15620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To describe (i) self-reported changes in drug use and (ii) trends in price, perceived availability, and perceived purity of illicit drugs, among people who regularly use ecstasy/ 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other illicit stimulants in Australia following COVID-19 and associated restrictions. DESIGN Annual interviews with cross-sectional sentinel samples conducted face-to-face in 2016-19 and via video conferencing or telephone in 2020. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. SETTING Australian capital cities. PARTICIPANTS Australians aged 16 years or older who used ecstasy/MDMA and other illicit stimulants on a monthly or more frequent basis and resided in a capital city, recruited via social media and word-of-mouth (n ~ 800 each year). MEASUREMENTS Key outcome measures were self-reported illicit drug market indicators (price, purity and availability) and, in 2020 only, perceived change in drug use (including alcohol and tobacco) since March 2020 and reasons for this change. FINDINGS For most drugs, participants reported either no change or a reduction in their use since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced. Ecstasy/MDMA was the drug most frequently cited as reduced in use (n = 552, 70% of those reporting recent use), mainly due to reduced opportunities for socialization. While market indicators were largely stable across most drugs, the odds of perceiving MDMA capsules as 'high' in purity decreased compared with 2016-19 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53-0.99], as did perceiving them as 'easy' to obtain (aOR = 0.42, CI = 0.26-0.67). The odds of perceiving cocaine and methamphetamine crystal as 'easy' to obtain also decreased (aOR = 0.67, CI = 0.46-0.96 and aOR = 0.12, CI = 0.04-0.41, respectively). CONCLUSIONS After COVID-19-related restrictions were introduced in Australia, use of ecstasy/MDMA, related stimulants and other licit and illicit drugs mainly appeared to remain stable or decrease, primarily due to impediments to socialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Nicola Man
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia,School of Psychological SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartAustralia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health RisksBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Caroline Salom
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia,Institute for Social Science ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Simon Lenton
- National Drug Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Jodie Grigg
- National Drug Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Tanya Wilson
- School of Psychological SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartAustralia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Roanna Chan
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Natalie Thomas
- Institute for Social Science ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia,School of Psychological SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartAustralia
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Palamar JJ, Le A, Carr TH, Cottler LB. Shifts in drug seizures in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108580. [PMID: 33674175 PMCID: PMC8026667 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected patterns of drug use in the United States. Because drug seizures can serve as a proxy for drug availability, we examined shifts in drug seizures in the US during the pandemic. METHODS We examined trends in seizures of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl within five High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Washington/Baltimore, Chicago, Ohio, New Mexico, and North Florida. Trends were examined for number and total weight of seizures from March 2019 through September 2020 using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS Significant decreases in seizures involving marijuana (β = -0.03, P = 0.005) and methamphetamine (β = -0.02, P = 0.026) were detected through April 2020, and then seizures of marijuana (β = 0.10, P = 0.028) and methamphetamine (β = 0.11, P = 0.010) significantly increased through September 2020. The number of seizures involving marijuana and methamphetamine peaked in August 2020, exceeding the highest pre-COVID-19 number of seizures. Fentanyl seizures increased overall (β = 0.05, P < .001), but did not significantly drop during the start of COVID-19, and significant changes were not detected for cocaine or heroin. We also detected a significant increase in weight of marijuana seized from April through September 2020 (β = 0.40, P = .001). The weight of marijuana seized in August 2020 exceeded the highest pre-COVID-19 weight. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an immediate decrease in marijuana and methamphetamine seizures, and then increases throughout 2020 with some months exceeding the number (and weights) of seizures from the previous year. More research is warranted to determine the extent to which these seizures reflect changes in drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, 10016, United States,Corresponding author at: New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY, 10016, United States
| | - Austin Le
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, 10016, United States,New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, United States
| | - Thomas H. Carr
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington- Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, United States,College of Public Affairs, Center for Drug Policy and Prevention, University of Baltimore, United States
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States,Center for Addiction Research & Education, University of Florida, United States
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16
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Benschop A, van Bakkum F, Noijen J. Changing Patterns of Substance Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Self-Reported Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Drugs. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:633551. [PMID: 34122170 PMCID: PMC8187560 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.633551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As in many other countries worldwide, the coronavirus pandemic prompted the implementation of an "intelligent lockdown" in the spring of 2020 in the Netherlands, including the closure of nightlife venues and cancellation of festivals. Such restrictions and social distancing could particularly affect people who use alcohol or other drugs in recreational settings and give rise to new challenges and additional needs in the field of addiction prevention and care. To monitor changes in substance use and provide services with practical directions for tailored prevention, an anonymous web survey was set up, targeting a convenience sample aged 16 years or older through various social media and other online channels. Between May and October 2020, a total of 6,070 participants completed the survey, mainly adolescents and young adults (16-24 years old). These data were used to explore and describe changing patterns in substance use. Overall results showed declined current use compared to "pre-corona," but mask underlying variation in changing patterns, including discontinued (tobacco 10.4%, alcohol 11.3%, cannabis 16.3%, other drugs 30.4%), decreased (tobacco 23.0%, alcohol 29.1%, cannabis 17.4%, other drugs 20.7%), unchanged (tobacco 30.3%, alcohol 21.2%, cannabis 22.3%, other drugs 17.3%), increased (tobacco 29.6%, alcohol 32.1%, cannabis 32.9%, other drugs 25.3%), and (re)commenced use (tobacco 6.7%, alcohol 6.3%, cannabis 11.1%, other drugs 6.2%). Especially the use of drugs like ecstasy and nitrous oxide was discontinued or decreased due to the lack of social occasions for use. Increased use was associated with coping motives for all substance types. As measures combatting the coronavirus may need to be practiced for some time to come, possibly leading to prolonged changes in substance use with lingering "post-corona" consequences, timely and ongoing monitoring of changing patterns of substance use is vital for informing prevention services within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Benschop
- Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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