The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and public health measures put in place to reduce transmission have likely affected people who use opioids and other illicit substances. Reasons for this include potential changes in the supply of these substances and in support systems for people who use them.
A McMaster University team prepared a rapid review to identify, appraise and summarize emerging research to support evidence-informed decision-making. It includes evidence available up to September 10, 2020 to answer the question: What is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid and substance use and related harms?
Read EENet's latest Research Report Round-up, which presents a summary of the findings. Research Report Round-ups are brief, plain-language summaries of research reports, presented in a user-friendly format.