The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has developed a new resource, Methamphetamine, the Respiratory System and COVID-19, summarizing what is currently known about the health risks associated with using methamphetamine generally and specifically during the pandemic. Topics covered include the effects of methamphetamine use on the health of the lungs and heart, its potential impact on the immune system and guidance for reducing harms.
Key highlights include:
- Regular methamphetamine use may adversely affect the health of the heart and lungs.
- Using methamphetamine may suppress the immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to infection and increase the severity of diseases, including COVID-19.
- Using more than one substance regularly is common among people who use methamphetamine and can compound health problems.
To help get this important information out, especially to vulnerable populations, we have also developed an infographic, Methamphetamine, Cocaine and COVID-19 Health Risks.
If you have any questions about these resources or COVID-19 and substance use, please contact Dr Sarah Konefal, Research and Policy Analyst, at SKonefal@ccsa.ca.