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Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | SARS-CoV-2 | Research

Use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other substances during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe: a survey on 36,000 European substance users

Authors: Jakob Manthey, Carolin Kilian, Sinclair Carr, Miroslav Bartak, Kim Bloomfield, Fleur Braddick, Antoni Gual, Maria Neufeld, Amy O’Donnell, Benjamin Petruzelka, Vladimir Rogalewicz, Ingeborg Rossow, Bernd Schulte, Jürgen Rehm

Published in: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

SARS-CoV-2 reached Europe in early 2020 and disrupted the private and public life of its citizens, with potential implications for substance use. The objective of this study was to describe possible changes in substance use in the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe.

Methods

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional online survey of 36,538 adult substance users from 21 European countries conducted between April 24 and July 22 of 2020. Self-perceived changes in substance use were measured by asking respondents whether their use had decreased (slightly or substantially), increased (slightly or substantially), or not changed during the past month. The survey covered alcohol (frequency, quantity, and heavy episodic drinking occasions), tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit drug use. Sample weighted data were descriptively analysed and compared across substances.

Results

Across all countries, use of all substances remained unchanged for around half of the respondents, while the remainder reported either a decrease or increase in their substance use. For alcohol use, overall, a larger proportion of respondents indicated a decrease than those reporting an increase. In contrast, more respondents reported increases in their tobacco and cannabis use during the previous month compared to those reporting decreased use. No distinct direction of change was reported for other substance use.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest changes in use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis during the initial months of the pandemic in several European countries. This study offers initial insights into changes in substance use. Other data sources, such as sales statistics, should be used to corroborate these preliminary findings.

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Title: Use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other substances during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe: a survey on 36,000 European substance users
Authors: Jakob Manthey
Carolin Kilian
Sinclair Carr
Miroslav Bartak
Kim Bloomfield
Fleur Braddick
Antoni Gual
Maria Neufeld
Amy O’Donnell
Benjamin Petruzelka
Vladimir Rogalewicz
Ingeborg Rossow
Bernd Schulte
Jürgen Rehm
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: SARS-CoV-2
Published in: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1747-597X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00373-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other substances during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe: a survey on 36,000 European substance users

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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