Experts predict heightened risk of substance abuse under lockdowm

With financial uncertainties, people sealed up in their homes for extended periods of time, rolling negative news and anxieties about the risks of infection at their peak, it is understandable that the World Health Organisation has warned lockdown measures could lead to a massive upswing in substance misuse which contributes annually to about three million deaths worldwide.

The ongoing lockdowns across many countries are unique and little is known of the effects on the general population of chronic isolation (with respect to health and wellbeing) in these circumstances, but health chiefs are worried that the additional stressor of the pandemic could lead many to drink or take drugs in ways they would not usually do.

The Lancet has suggested that while governments such as our own have importantly responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by advising the public to remain indoors or socially distance, it is also essential that warnings about excessive alcohol and drug consumption are emphasised at this stressful time.

“We have had evidence from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency that sales of alcohol in the province have increased by 30 per cent since the beginning of the lockdown and it remains the most dangerous drug we are abusing,” said Iain Cameron from Extern NI, a charity that works with people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness.

This week he expressed his concerns on issues of substance abuse to Stormont’s health committee. joining others to ask for greater measures to be taken to prevent an upswing in usage as isolation and financial uncertainty take their toll on many.

“When stress levels are heightened, uncertainty abounds, many fear infection and the loss of jobs, the escape a drink or particular drug can bring is suddenly much more attractive, and especially for habitual users,” adds Iain.

“History has told us that in times of recession, at times when things are tough and hard, people will instinctively turn to palliatives to extinguish the pain.

“And for a growing number in Northern Ireland opiates, morphine, heroin or alcohol can numb emotional and psycholoical pain. And that is why we have the problems we do.

“If you look at what happened in Scotland in the 1980s when there was amass unemployment, heroin use shot up, or consider America during the 1930s after the Wall Street Crash when people began bootlegging alcohol - we turn to substances in times of crisis.

“We all know we are looking at a very difficult time economically and with rising unemployment comes the marked likelihood of greater substance misuse.” he added.

Charity Drinkaware affirmed that lockdown and isolation could have affected many people’s drinking habits. A survey of 2,000 UK adults found a quarter were drinking more than normal, with 28 per cent of those on furlough now drinking on days they wouldn’t, 26 per cent were drinking more while working from home and one in seven if us are having our first drink earlier in the day.

“It is indeed likely that rates of drug and alcohol consumption will increase in the current circumstances and you have to remember that the province is already dealing with a high incidence of drug and alcohol-related deaths”, says Cameron.

“Here in Northern Ireland we are abusing everything from alcohol to benzodiazapines and heroin and lyrica.

“Mixing different drugs is particularly dangerous and leads to respiratory failure and death.”

Cameron and others like him who work with addicts are most concerned about the new substance problems the pandemic may herald.

“We need to better educate people about the dangers and we need to develop a more compassionate and caring society where addicts can feel as though their problems are valid and can be addresed without shame.

“I really hope that people will come out of this period of lockdown with a heightened awareness of mental health and addiction problems.

“Again I have to reiterate the scandal of how underfunded addiction services are here, and mental health service provision. We need more money. And we need more support to deliver the care that people need.

“Substance abuse could be a real part of the legacy of our fight against Covid.”

Cameron is dedicated to helping the addicts he encounters but emphasises that Belfast’s drug culture is deepending.

“We are often called to the scene of overdoses,” says Iain. “It’s very distressing. And my worry is that the pandemic will push drug users further into the abyss at a time when they need to be looking after their immunity.

“Belfast’s heroin supply remains steady and substantial, but due to the pandemic they are finding it harder to get money to feed habits that would usually depend on begging or tapping others for money.

“Heroin addicts become ill when they cannot access the drug to which they are addicted. Then when they do get their hands on the street drugs they need they can go into a state of inadvertent overdose which can lead to fatal respiratory failure.

“Belfast has caught up with other cities like Dublin in terms of heroin use, but we are using the full spectrum of drugs from diazepam and lyrica to other opiates and narcotics.

“Our overdose rates are increasing year on year. We have a serious problem. We need to be creative in how we look at the issue.”

Indeed the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the dangers associated with the misuse of illicit and prescription drugs and alcohol, particularly given the challenges of lockdown, and it is asking anyone who misuses substances to takes steps to reduce their risk as well as being aware of the online services available to help them.

Michael Owen, regional lead for drugs and alcohol at the PHA, said: “There are greater challenges within the lockdown which certainly may lead some people to engage in drug and alcohol misuse. This is sadly all too common and something that can affect anyone.

“The PHA would strongly advise that the only effective way to avoid risk is to not take any drugs which have not been prescribed for you by your doctor.

“During the lockdown, some people may find that they have more time on their hands, or face increased stress from money or personal challenges. People with addiction may need additional support during this lockdown period, so if you feel that this might increase your likelihood to misuse substances, reach out for help.”

Support services are still operating virtually and are there for those who need them. These services are available in your local area and you can find information on these at www.drugsandalcoholni.info.

Michael added: “The main risk factors when using drugs include taking too much of a substance, taking a substance over an extended period of time, “bingeing”, mixing drugs with other drugs and/or alcohol, and using drugs on your own. Mixing drugs can increase the toxicity of the substances and cause serious problems, including overdose and organ damage, posing a significant risk to your life.

“If you regularly use illicit drugs and you haven’t been taking the same amount as you normally would, your body’s tolerance to the drug will have decreased and you may even have went in to a period of withdrawal if you haven’t been taking any drugs. So, if you do get hold of your ‘usual’ dose, please don’t take it all at the one time, as this could cause organ failure, overdose and death.We have been working with the Health and Social Care Board and community organisations to help people who have addiction issues get support during lockdown.”

“If you know someone who this might affect, please don’t let them go through it alone. Encourage them to seek help. It could save their life.”

To access support on avoiding alcohol and drug misuse under lockdown visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info.