The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Castile and Leon Addiction Treatment Network: A Real-Word Experience

Abstract

Background: Patients suffering from addiction are a vulnerable group in the midst of COVID-19, so their healthcare is considered essential. In this paper, the measures and responses of the Drug Addiction Assistance Network of Castile and Leon (DAACYL) in Spain during the first 6 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic are explained. The aim is that this experience could be useful in places where this problem will continue and could help future interventions.Methods: A telephone survey was carried out as the main methodology, to collect information for the subsequent organization and repercussion on professionals and patients. This was carried out by the heads of the 18 DAACYL units. Among the interventions applied, the following stand out: implantation of telemedicine techniques, restriction of daily methadone dispensing, suspension of urine controls and initiation of care programs for the homeless.Results: As a result of these interventions, the professionals observed that patients are less demanding and mostly stable, with a low percentage of relapses. An increase in the consumption of alcohol and benzodiazepines have been reported as more common among people who relapse. Furthermore, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the sample is minimal; therefore, different hypotheses should be considered as an explanation (infra-diagnosis, immune system used to aggression, possible anti-inflammatory effect of some psychotropic drugs and a greater perception of danger against infection than the general population).Conclusions: The rapid adaptation and successful implementation of DAACYL have had satisfactory results. On the other hand, the prevention of the possible increase in the development of behavioral addictions and the use of homemade drugs should be considered.

COVID-19 Lockdown and Consumption Patterns among Substance Use Disorder Outpatients: A Multicentre Study

“…It is likely that some patients transferred their drinking in bars and restaurants to their homes, including drinking socially through digital channels; however, patients who reduced their consumption could have taken advantage of the confinement to avoid consumption. These data coincide with other Spanish studies carried out in SUD patients during this time [ 5 , 20 ]. It also aligns with some studies carried out in the general population that found increased benzodiazepine and alcohol consumption [ 9 , 39 ].…”

“…Another study, using hair analysis, conducted on 30 subjects, showed a decrease in the consumption of illegal drugs but a significant increase in consumption of benzodiazepines and alcohol, substances which are more easily accessible [21]. These data were confirmed in a separate study from Spain which found an increase in alcohol and benzodiazepine consumption in drug-dependent individuals [5]. Few studies include illegal substance use among patients with SUD.…”

“…Spain and also Catalonia were among the most affected areas in the first months of the pandemic, which has caused an unprecedented crisis with significant health, social, and economic repercussion [ 2 ]. To halt the expansion of COVID-19 in Spain, a nationwide at-home lockdown was required for the general population, which forced a rapid adaptation of health measures to guarantee that essential activities could continue to take place, including implementing telematic assistance, among other measures [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Exercise and Use of Enhancement Drugs at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicultural Study on Coping Strategies During Self-Isolation and Related Risks

“…Having identified the most at risk population, more targeted and effective prevention strategies could be more easily be implemented, even more importantly during periods of personal confinement. Some reinforcement programs on addiction health care have been launched during the pandemic ( 81 ). They address behaviors other than exercise or the use of enhancement drugs, but similar initiatives could be created in the future, targeting the latter aspects as well.…”

Benzodiazepine Misuse: An Epidemic Within a Pandemic

“…In Spain, a telephone survey was conducted by the health professionals among the Drug Addiction Assistance of Castile and Leon (DAACYL) units. The professionals in the DAACYL units expressed that the clinical impact during the first six weeks of the pandemic was moderate; however, six centers reported that patients increased or started consuming alcohol and benzodiazepines, especially alprazolam [62]. Among people who were confirmed with coronavirus infection and discharged subsequently, there was a 3.3% initiation of new benzodiazepine prescriptions [63].…”