SUBSTANCE USE IN THE COVID-19 ERA

In the wake of the current Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak, people around the world have been taking measures to prevent the continuing spread of the virus. As BOSASNET, we realise the importance of sharing how the use of alcohol and other drugs can be a risk factor in the spread of COVID-19.

Use

The way some substances are used can pose as a risk for contracting Coronavirus. It is common to find people sharing a quart ( khote) of beer, sharing a hubbly pipe, sharing a cigarette, or sharing a joint of marijuana. This has the potential to pass the virus from one person to another since the process of use involves touching the mouth area where the virus in known to spread from.

Social Distancing

The Government of Botswana has encouraged the public to maintain a distance of 1 to 2 metres between individual persons. This is a very effective way to prevent contact that can lead to infection. However, if you are under the influence of substances you tend to have lowered inhibitions therefore may not keep the prescribed distance with other people or shaking hands with others, putting yourself and them at risk of transmission of the COVID-19.

Wash Hands

One of the widely spread messages from both the Ministry of Health and Wellness as well as the World Health Organisation is that we should regularly wash our hands with soap. When you are in a state of intoxication you are less likely to wash your hands regularly, moreover if you are in a public place you are likely to be unaware when touching different surfaces such as table tops, chairs, door handles. These may aid the spread of COVID-19 when you do not adhere to proper sanitation efforts in such situations.

Immune System

Generally, the use of substances is known to weaken or suppress the immune system. On the other hand, it has been reported that COVID-19 is more lethal to older persons and those with health vulnerabilities. This means that if you are a young person and continue to abuse substances, you are putting yourself at risk of being vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.

Health Concerns

Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products, vaping, and smoking marijuana has been found to harm ones respiratory system. This suggests that prolonged exposure to smoke from these substances damages the cells in the lungs, causing tissue scaring and inflammation; thus deteriorating the ability of the lungs to fight off infections. The Novel Coronavirus is known to attack the respiratory tract and if you are already weakened by the use tobacco or other substances that are smoked, it may put you at a higher risk of being gravely affected by COVID-19.

In addition, the use of some substances like crack cocaine is commonly done in a trap/crack house. This is a place where there is little attention given towards health practice and there are usually a number of people in that set up. In such environments, there is no social distancing and means of using substances are shared among each other.

Myths and Facts

Marijuana Use: Some information circulating on social media suggests that smoking marijuana kills the coronavirus. This is not a proven fact and it will likely put you at risk of contracting the virus. In addition, as discussed above, the smoke is likely to harm your lungs and make you susceptible to the effects of the virus.

Alcohol Use: Some information being shared suggests that drinking alcohol or gaggling if you have a sore throat will prevent you from contracting COVID-19. The World Health Organisation has issued statements that intake of alcohol will not prevent you from being infected by the coronavirus. In addition, individuals should not start drinking in attempt to be safe.

It is important to have the right information in order for us to properly deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend that you use reliable sources to keep updated with the current information.

Sources:

1. The Ministry of Health and Wellness official Facebook page - @OFFICIAL. MOHW.BW

2. World Health Organisation - https:// www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/

If you think that you might have a substance abuse problem, or if you have a friend or family member who does, we encourage you to seek help. For some, it can mean the difference between life and death. You can find BOSASNET on Facebook, visit us on www.bosasnet.com, or call us on 3959119 or 72659891 for more information.