Substance users who contract the virus face greater dangers than the general population, experts say.
Just as people who have opioid use disorders are more likely to die of an overdose if they have a chronic respiratory disease, lung damage from COVID-19 could pose the same risk, said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Substance use disorders are also known to be strongly associated with smoking or vaping, which harm lung health and increase the risk that a person with COVID-19 develops severe illnesses. So how do we protect those who are not only at-risk for contracting the virus, but also vulnerable to severe complications?
"In general, there's so much stigma around addiction and the stigma that our patients face on a day-to-day basis is heartbreaking," Nickel said."And right now in the middle of this crisis we need to make sure our patients get the most care."The Addiction Policy Forum recommends the following tips for those who are in recovery:
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Breakingviews - Corona Capital: Latin America and Covid-19(Reuters Breakingviews) - Breakingviews has launched a daily column covering pandemic-related insights that you might have missed. Throughout the day, we’ll bring you shorter-than-usual views from columnists around the world with the same financial savvy on companies, economies and capital markets during this important unfolding story.
Read more »
'I am negative': Rand Paul recovers from coronavirusThe Kentucky Republican is out of quarantine.
Read more »
Employees say veteran at Soldier's Home infected others after leadership failuresAt least two employees at a veteran's home where a coronavirus outbreak has killed multiple residents are continuing to work despite testing positive themselves out of fear for their job and at management's recommendation, staff members tell ABC News.
Read more »
Todd Chrisley Says He's Recovering from 'This Bitch' CoronavirusTodd Chrisley says the coronavirus really knocked him out, but he's recovering after an ER visit.
Read more »
China's auto market to recover despite virus impact: officialsChina's auto market, the world's biggest, will gradually recover and remain stable for a long period of time despite short term pressure from the coronavirus epidemic, officials said on Thursday
Read more »
Lawmakers Sidelined by Coronavirus Exit QuarantineLawmakers who tested positive for the new coronavirus faced a particular challenge while recovering as people who are used to being out and about, chatting with constituents, staff and colleagues.
Read more »