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. 2020 Sep:83:102880.
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102880. Epub 2020 Jul 27.

Safer opioid distribution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Mark Tyndall  1
Affiliations

Safer opioid distribution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Mark Tyndall. Int J Drug Policy. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

COVID-19 has turned the world upside down in a very short period of time. The impact of COVID-19 will disproportionately effect people who are least able to protect themselves and this will include people who use drugs. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic comes at time when North America is in the midst of a protracted overdose epidemic caused by a toxic illegal drug supply. Overdose deaths are likely to rise when people are isolated, social support programs are cut back, and the illicit drug supply is further compromised. Safer opioid distribution in response to a toxic street drug supply is a pragmatic and effective way to reduce overdose deaths. COVID-19 makes such an approach even more urgent and compelling.

Keywords: Covid-19; Drug Use; Harm Reduction; Overdose; Safe Supply.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interests None.

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