The COVID-19 pandemic colliding with the epidemic of opioid use disorders (OUDs) and other substance use disorders (SUDs)
 The COVID-19 pandemic has affected populations disproportionally at higher risk, such as people with SUD and OUD and people in recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that while people with an SUD are more likely to require hospitalization and die from COVID019 than those without SUD, the rate is eight times higher for those diagnosed with an SUD during the pandemic. Literature reveals that people with SUDs often have weakened lung function, which immediately puts them at increased risk of contracting and suffering worse outcomes from COVID-19 (Wang, Q.Q. et al, 2020).
In addition to being medically disadvantaged, people with SUDs and OUDs have experienced a tremendous cascade of challenges during the COVID pandemic. These adverse effects include disruptions in the availability and accessibility of treatment, changes in social support and networks, and isolation, which lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and despair inducing to relapse and potential overdose. Possible resources to reverse opioid overdose have been reduced, such as naloxone distribution practices and visits to the emergency department (Root, E.D. et al, 2021).
The AzCRH’s AHEAD (Advancing Health Equity, Addressing Disparities initiative led by Dr. Mona Arora and Jennifer Peters) is committed to address this urgency by raising awareness in underserved communities across the state of Arizona. AHEAD is working with partners (e.g., Overdose Data to Action, OD2A) to educate and connect communities to COVID-19 related and social services. In collaboration with the MOVE UP program (Mobile Outreach Vaccination Education for Underserved Populations lead by Dr. Cecilia Rosales), AHEAD is reaching out to rural communities to facilitate naloxone distribution to mitigate the effects of the opioid crisis and improve access to vaccination to fight against COVID.
Below are some tools that frontline workers and the public can use to support individuals with SUD/OUD:
- COVID-19 and people at increased risk The Center for Disease Control and Prevention stresses on the urgency for vaccination and following preventive measures to protect people with SUD/OUD from getting COVID-19.
- Resources to help your patients with SUD during the COVID-19 pandemic The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides resources and guidance for health care professionals related to strategies for a safe treatment and vaccine uptake and hesitancy.
- Behavioral health treatment services locator The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration aids persons with SUD/OUD who are seeking treatment by locating near facilities to them in the U.S and territories. Additionally, this source includes helplines for different distress crisis.
- Opioid Assistance and Referral Line- 1-888-688-4222 Banner Health provides a free 24/7 support line for health care providers with SUD/OUD patients.
Sources: Root ED, Slavova S, LaRochelle M, Feaster DJ, Villani J, Defiore-Hyrmer J, El-Bassel N, Ergas R, Gelberg K, Jackson R, Manchester K, Parikh M, Rock P, Walsh SL. (2021). The impact of the national stay-at-home order on emergency department visits for suspected opioid overdose during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. DOI: 0.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108977
Wang, Q.Q., Kaelber, D.C., Xu, R., and Volkow, N.D. (2020). COVID-19 Risk and Outcomes in Patients with Substance Use Disorders: Analyses from Electronic Health Records in the United States. Molecular Psychology, 26(1):30-39. DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00880.
Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation. The new resource asks for participation from individuals, teachers, school administrators, librarians, faith leaders, and health care professionals to understand, identify, and stop the spread of misinformation. The toolkit includes common types of misinformation and a checklist to help evaluate the accuracy of health-related content.
HHS Facts About COVID Care for the Uninsured. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) helps uninsured individuals find no-cost COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines. The HRSA Uninsured Program provides claims reimbursement to health care providers generally at Medicare rates for testing, treating, and administering vaccines to uninsured individuals, including undocumented immigrants. There are at-a-glance fact sheets for providers and for patients in English and Spanish.
Reaching Farm Communities for Vaccine Confidence. The AgriSafe Network is a nonprofit organization that provides information and training on injury and disease related to agriculture. Their health professionals and educators created a social media toolkit that aims to provide clear messages about COVID-19 vaccination for agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers.
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