The Early Impact of Social Distancing Measures on Drug Use

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Social distancing policies have been widely adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. High levels of social connection are positively associated with beneficial health outcomes, while social isolation is associated with poor long-term health outcomes including reduced life expectancy. The present study evaluates the impact of social distancing measures during the early period of COVID-19 on substance use behaviors among those in the United States. Methods: We used an internet-based survey with participants (n = 157; 86 male) reporting a history of problems related to drug use. We relied on ANOVA and logistic regression techniques to assess the associations between social connection and substance use. Results: People with more severe drug use problems reported feeling more socially isolated during social distancing. Those who primarily use alcohol reported higher global feelings of social connection than those who primarily use opioids. During social distancing, participants reported an increase in alcohol and cigarette consumption, and a decrease in cocaine use. Lastly, those who reported using drugs for social reasons were less likely to have decreased substance use during social distancing. Conclusions: The current study provides evidence that social distancing guidelines have impacted both substance use behaviors and feelings of social and physical connection. Further, there are differential impacts based on drug of choice. These results advance delineation of the connection between sociality and drug use.

Keywords:

• Social distancing
• COVID-19
• drug use
• social isolation
• addiction
• substance use
• social connection

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the USC Department of Psychology for providing funding for this project for work related to the psychological impacts of COVID-19.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was obtained through the USC Department of Psychology via the Doctoral Research Continuity Fund.