Study to look at the impact of Covid-19 crisis on drug users

A study will aim to understand the health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on Scotland’s drug users by looking at whether a reduction in the availability of illegal drugs has changed purchasing habits, with increased risk for some but reduced consumption or stopping use for others.

The project – funded under the Scottish Government’s Rapid Research in Covid-19 programme will assess the longer-term health impacts of the social response to the pandemic on people who use drugs (PWUD).

Led by Prof Catriona Matheson, the research teamwilllookattheimpact of the virus on three distinct elements of drug use and services: distribution and social use patterns of illicit drugs; the availability of harm reduction services; and the provision of addiction treatment services and the impact on people in recovery.

The study will consider whether changes to drug service provision, introduced due to Covid-19, exposes PWUD to harm through a heightened risk of overdose or relapse.

Prof Matheson, Chair of the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce, said: “Feedback received by the Drug Deaths Taskforce suggests issues are beginning to emerge for people who use drugs – because of the virus and the measures being used to combat it.

“This is the only research of its type and its findings will be provided to policymakers, service providers, and organisations to help shape their responses to these challenges.”

the swab, or in the lab, we won’t ever know. We had to book another test.

This time, there were plenty of slots in Edinburgh. The process was similarly quick and easy - but we again, had to carry out the test ourselves, doubly nervous this time that we were doing something wrong.

The results took slightly longer, but still within the target 48 hour period. Negative. We were hugely relieved, not least that we would not have to go back for another test.