Section - Quick Takes

05. New Challenges in Addiction Medicine: COVID-19 Infection in Patients With Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders—The Perfect Storm

Published on December 1, 2020 Expired on April 1, 2023

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

From direct respiratory effects to increased stress from difficulty accessing treatment, substance use disorders are severely affected by COVID-19 and the social changes that accompany this virus.

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It is not surprising to hear that substance use disorders are hit harder by COVID-19 than other mental health disorders. However, could you detail how? Moreover, is that worth caring about? Well, I think yes, because you probably have not grasped the full extent of the virus’s effects and the social lockdowns accompanying it.

Let’s take a quick tour of this issue of substance use and COVID-19 led by a trio of substance use specialists at the National Institute [on] Drug Abuse, who wrote a commentary in the May issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry . Their essay consists of 2 parts: First, a listing of how COVID-19 worsens alcohol and substance use disorders directly and indirectly, and second, a brief list of solutions.

Here is the authors’ list of factors that worsen substance use issues. First, alcohol and drugs dampen the immune system––they increase the risk of respiratory

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Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Rank-order antipsychotics by their metabolic effects and evaluate their impact on cardiovascular risk in people with schizophrenia.
Determine the value of distinguishing behavioral and cognitive impairment in patients at risk of progression to dementia.
Compare suicide attempt rates in patients with a diagnosis of ADHD, on or off stimulant medications.
Examine the cardiac abnormalities associated with anorexia nervosa and their degree of resolution with weight restoration.
Consider the many ways in which COVID-19 worsens substance use problems. Clinicians may be aware of many of these, but it is still useful to see all in one place the full list from experienced authors.

Original Release Date: 12/01/2020

Review and Re-release Date: 03/01/2023

Expiration Date: 04/01/2023

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

The following planners, faculty, and reviewers have the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Dr. Phelps has disclosed the following relationships:

McGraw-Hill: book on bipolar disorder
W.W. Norton & Co.: books on bipolar disorder

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

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Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

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Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.