Substance consumption styles during the COVID-19 lockdown for socially integrated people who use drugs

ABSTRACT

Background

No studies have investigated changes of substance or alcohol consumption for non-problematic drug users within a period without restrictions in comparison with a period of lockdown.

Objectives

Identification of changes in habits and in substance consumption styles during the lockdown due to COVID-19 among socially integrated people who use drugs.

Methods

Semi-structured questionnaire administered via video calls.

Results

During the lockdown we highlight a reduction in consumption and expenditure on illegal substances (cocaine, MDMA, ketamine) and alcohol (spirits) and a drastic drop in alcohol misuse. Many interviewees have stopped or have passed from acontextual consumption of substances, connected to sociality, to asolitary use motivated by boredom (alcohol and cannabis), habit (alcohol), search for particular sensations (cannabis) and escape from reality (cocaine). Substance consumption alone increased.

Conclusion

Particular attention should be paid to the study of the dissemination and socialization of individual harm reduction practices among socially integrated people who use drug.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• lockdown
• substance use
• alcohol abuse
• socially integrated drug users
• harm reduction