top of page

Epidemic Modeling of Real-time Generation and Spread of Substance use & associated health harms
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Dimensions of Substance Use: A Narrative Review and Living Repository of Primary Data
1. Changes in Propensity to Use Substance
​
-
We found that individuals who are younger, frequent users, part of vulnerable groups (at-risk for HIV, vulnerable immigrant status, high deprivation, homeless, recent jail discharge), and with higher education level are more likely to experience changes in substance use patterns
-
Alcohol use increased among some adults but decreased among youth
-
Cannabis use appears to have increased more evenly
-
We found unclear patterns for anti-anxiety/depression prescription drugs
-
Use of illicit drug such as amphetamines, MDMA, cocaine, benzodiazepines declined in some areas and increased in others
-
Increases in fentanyl use in some places were observed
-
We also observed an increase in substance use within the first weeks/months of the pandemic and then a general decline (mixed evidence). It is unclear at this stage where trends are going.
​
Repository
Navigate to each dimension
bottom of page