Collision of the COVID-19 and Addiction Epidemics

Coronavirus is one of the most significant public health challenges we have faced in the past 100 years. Everyone is effected. However, the strain is particularly great for those working on the front line to detect and treat people who have come into contact with the virus.

Professionals working with populations who have underlying health care issues have an even greater challenge. Among the vulnerable populations are persons who smoke or vape, use opioids, or have a substance use disorder (SUD). 

In this paper, Nora D. Volkow describes the risk the virus is posing for particular groups of people within our society and she provides guidance for professionals working with people who smoke or vape, use opioids, or have a substance use disorder (SUD).