Lessons learnt from alcoholism and substance use disorders (SUDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a widespread non-communicable disease (NCD) with biological, social, or psychological foundations, policymakers, stakeholders, and doctors have given it less attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. On similar lines, in India, alcohol consumption and mental health problems are two major illnesses that have a significant impact on people, individually. When both come together, it adds to the burden of disease and creates a vicious cycle involving healthcare providers, consumers, and the patient itself. The correlation between alcohol and drug dependence with mental health and its associated illnesses is difficult to conclude and establish, making it even difficult to provide effective treatment options. The abrupt surge in patients with SUD (primarily alcohol) related disorders (e.g., withdrawal) was noticed because of the sudden non-availability of alcohol or opioid distribution during the countrywide Covid-19 lockdowns. It resembled a pandemic ’s emotional epidemic curve. Around 40 people have died because of SUD-related withdrawal and suicide, as per the media reportings. Methanol intoxication has been reported in several parts of the country. Similar to Indian trends, 700 people reportedly died because of methanol intoxication in Iran . Unfortunately, de-addiction services in India were not adequately equipped for the SUD pandemic, and as a result, most services could not cope with lockdown problems. To our surprise, some jurisdictions have...
Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research