Changes in drug use in European cities during early COVID-19 lockdowns - A snapshot from wastewater analysis.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 outbreak has forced countries to introduce severe restrictive measures to contain its spread. In particular, physical distancing and restriction of movement have had important consequences on human behaviour and potentially also on illicit drug use and supply. These changes can be associated with additional risks for users, in particular due to reduced access to prevention and harm reduction activities. Furthermore, there have been limitations in the amount of data about drug use which can be collected due to restrictions. To goal of this study was to obtain information about potential changes in illicit drug use impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Wastewater samples were collected in seven cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Italy at the beginning of lockdowns (March

SUBMITTER: Been F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7997602 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature