Addictovigilance contribution during COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown in France

Abstract

Addictovigilance is a safety monitoring targeted at substances with potential for abuse and dependence. This vigilance was involved during the period of COVID-19 epidemic due to the significant changes in access to drugs and psychological disruption caused by the

Consequences of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Misuse and Marketing of Addictive Substances and New Psychoactive Substances

“…The most common misused molecules include gabapentinoids, fentanyl analogs, approved antipsychotics, antidepressants and performance-enhancing drugs (21). For this reason, the diversion of prescription drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids and cognitive enhancers is expected to increase due to higher availability (22)(23)(24).…”

Overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults living with HIV

“… 98 There might be disruptions in illicit drug supplies, affecting availability and cost, and increasing the risk of drug adulteration. 99 Individuals with addictions have been at higher risk of multimorbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. 100 Some centres have ensured a sufficient quantity of take-home doses for patients on methadone maintenance treatment to maximise their adherence during COVID-19-related lockdowns.…”

Drug consumption during prolonged lockdown due to Covid-19 as observed in French addiction center

“…During the lockdown, we thought that patients would consume less and we dreaded that the end of lockdown would lead to a resume of consumption and to a risk of overdose. This risk was taken very seriously and the French addictovigilance network communicated regularly in order to sensibilize health care professionals [4] . On our side, we have also worked in this direction by creating posters to warn patients and we have continued to distribute the naloxone kit for patients dependent on opiates.…”