The impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on the drug situation

Abstract

The pandemic of a new coronavirus infection, having acquired a global character, has affected all public relations. The measures implemented by the governments of countries to prevent its spread have also affected aspects of drug trafficking, affecting all stages of this process from production to consumption. This article examines the social impact of COVID-19 coronavirus infection on the provision of medical care to persons recognized as drug addicts or who use drugs without a doctor’s appointment, the process of their rehabilitation, as well as on the complication of the situation in the field of illicit trafficking of narcotic substances
and psychotropic drugs. At the same time, the impact of the pandemic on the availability of controlled medicines, narcotic and psychotropic drugs necessary for medical needs is being studied. The authors of the article analyzed the materials, including strategic documents, devoted to the study of the drug situation in the world. As a result of the work done, the need to ensure the maximum continuity of appropriate access to health and social services for people who use drugs and those suffering from drug use disorders, as well as to ensure the continuity of the
provision of necessary medical care, is emphasized.