Increasing Participation in a Substance Misuse Programs: Lessons Learned for Implementing Telehealth Solutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Rosen, Daniel

doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2020.10.004

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…With healthcare systems under pressure and under resourced, there is the risk that people with chronic co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders may be even more marginalized by a health system prioritizing the urgency of COVID-19 patients [ 15 , 48 ]. Patients with these disorders may find it difficult to continue current treatment, access medications or attend new treatment if symptoms recur or become exacerbated with some services not accepting new patients [ 15 , 33 , 41 , 49 , 50 ▪▪ , 51 ▪▪ ]. In a cross-sectional study conducted among clinical and community youth cohorts in Canada in April 2020, participants reported having difficulty accessing mental health services [ 52 ▪ ].…”

Section: Challenges and Opportunities For The Provision Of Evidence-based Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance use, mental disorders and COVID-19: a volatile mix

Marel

Mills

Teesson

2021

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

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Purpose of review The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have uniquely and disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. This review summarizes recent evidence on the relationship between psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders and COVID-19, highlighting acute and long-term risks, pharmacotherapy interactions and implications regarding appropriate and timely evidence-based treatment. Recent findings Evidence points to a complex relationship between psychiatric and substance use disorders and COVID-19. A range of risk factors associated with psychiatric and substance use disorders increases the risk of exposure to, and complications arising from, the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 infection has been indicated as having acute and potential long-term impacts on both psychiatric and substance use disorders. Social disruption associated with restrictions imposed to curb transmission has also been identified as a risk factor for new onset of disorders and recurrence and exacerbation of existing conditions. Summary Early recognition and intervention are key to preventing chronic disability associated with psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and their co-occurrence. It is critical that those most in need of services do not fall through the cracks of our healthcare systems. The pandemic has fast tracked the opportunity for widespread implementation of digital health interventions but ensuring these are accessible and available to all, including our most vulnerable, will be a critical task for our future health and social ecosystems.

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Section: Challenges and Opportunities For The Provision Of Evidence-based Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance use, mental disorders and COVID-19: a volatile mix

Marel

Mills

Teesson

2021

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

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“…The existing literature suggests that there was an overall trend towards increased alcohol consumption and a clear trend towards increased use of other substances use in the general population during COVID-19 [ 76 ]. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychosocial stressors and economic strain for all adults with SUDs, older adults are disproportionately affected, as they are already at increased risk for social isolation, which can be detrimental when patients rely on interactions with both formal and informal supports to maintain sobriety [ 77 ]. To counteract this, there has been a dramatic increase in telehealth availability, particularly in the treatment of SUDs [ 78 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance Use Disorders in the Geriatric Population: a Review and Synthesis of the Literature of a Growing Problem in a Growing Population

Lin

Arnovitz

Kotbi

et al. 2023

Curr Treat Options Psych

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Purpose of review Substance use disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in the geriatric population, necessitating an updated understanding of the existing literature. This review aims to describe the epidemiology, special considerations, and management of substance use disorders in older adults. Recent findings PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and PsychINFO databases were searched from their inception through June 2022 using the following keywords: “substance use disorder,” “substance abuse,” “abuse,” “illicit substances,” “illicit drugs,” “addiction,” “geriatric,” “elderly,” “older adults,” “alcohol,” “marijuana,” “cannabis,” “cocaine,” “heroin,” “opioid,” and “benzodiazepine.” Our findings suggest an increasing trend in substance use in older adults despite medical and psychiatric consequences when using such substances. The majority of older patients admitted to substance abuse treatment programs were not referred by healthcare providers, suggesting room for improvement in the screening and discussion of substance use disorders. Our review also suggests that there should be careful consideration of COVID-19 and racial disparities when screening, diagnosing, and treating substance use disorders in the older population. Summary This review provides updated information on epidemiology, special considerations, and management of substance use disorders in older adults. As substance use disorders become more prevalent in older adults, primary care physicians must be prepared to recognize and diagnose substance use disorders as well as collaborate with and refer patients to geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine.

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