Increased Solitary Drug Use during COVID-19: An Unintended Consequence of Social Distancing

Original research
by
Schneider, Kristin E. et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose rates substantially increased in the United States. One possible contributor to this phenomenon may be solitary drug use resulting from social distancing efforts to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Findings/Key points

44% reported increased solitary drug use since COVID-19. Significant correlates of increased solitary drug use included being single, increasing drug use, using more in private locations), and social distancing behaviors. Experiencing homelessness and identifying as a sexual minority were associated with being less likely to increase solitary drug use.

Design/methods

Survey (n=458)

Keywords

About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Housing
2SLGBTQI+