Rapid Review Update 1: What is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid and substance use and related harms?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures are having broad effects across the population, and are likely to have pronounced effects for people who use opioids and other illicit substances, due to potential changes in supply and in support systems, among other factors. Evidence on the effect of the pandemic on opioid and substance use and related harms will help inform strategies to mitigate harm. This rapid review was produced to support public health decision makers’ response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review seeks to identify, appraise, and summarize emerging research evidence to support evidence-informed decision making. This rapid review includes evidence available up to September 10, 2020 to answer the question: What is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid and substance use and related harms?