A critical review examining substance use during the disaster life cycle

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to argue that substance use is a real risk for people who experience disaster, and especially so for socially vulnerable populations; second, to incorporate questions that help measure substance use during the disaster life cycle in pre-existing data sets. Design/methodology/approach -The authors provide a critical review and discussion of what is missing from current drug use data sets, and how they could incorporate collection techniques for disaster stricken populations. The manuscript is not based on research but helps develop and test hypotheses. The authors are more discursive, and review philosophical discussions and comparative studies of other pre-existing data sets that collect substance use information. Findings -Although it would take some effort to change these pre-existing national surveys, it could be done, which would allow researchers to collect much more extensive and informative data with regard to substance use during the disaster life cycle. Research limitations/implications -This manuscript is a commentary/discussion piece that proposes ideas for improved data collection. Ideally, the authors would be able to test these updated surveys. Practical implications -Improved data collection methods, and improved emergency response and recovery. Social implications -Having the ability to collect these data will ultimately make communities more resilient. Originality/value -The authors argue that the overlap of crime and disaster, in which substance use during the disaster life cycle falls, is an extremely understudied area. As the field of disaster studies continues to grow, the methodological and theoretical challenges of studying crime and disaster have prevented this sub-field from advancing. The authors wish to advance the discipline by pushing toward improved data collection during substance use during the disaster life cycle.

COVID-19 behavioral health and quality of life

“…One particular concern is the increase in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol misuse. Long-term disasters like the current pandemic place individuals and communities at increased risk for exhausting positive coping skills and turning to negative ones such as alcohol misuse [25][26][27] . Numerous studies report increases in stress, anger, anxiety, and depression, resulting in substance abuse and relapse post disaster [28][29][30][31] .…”

A comprehensive review of the articles published in the field of health in emergencies and disasters in Iran

“…Response refers to the provision of assistance and interventions during or immediately after a disaster to save lives and meet the basic needs of the affected people. Finally, recovery included post-disaster measures to restore or improve the pre-disaster living conditions of the affected community [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Behavioral Health and Response for COVID-19

“…The 1 point that appears to be a consensus among the literature is individuals with current substance use diagnoses or currently in recovery are at an increased risk for relapse. 66,67 Regardless of whether exposure to a disaster represents the emergence of a new substance misuse diagnosis or an exacerbation of pre-existing use, 67 there is an emergent need to understand the magnitude and impact of these negative factors on substance misuse and relapse from COVID-19. Furthermore, it is important to consider both relapse and increased use in behavioral health services offered during and post-pandemic.…”