Substance Use Disorders Related to Higher Risk of COVID-19

On September 14, 2020, the National Institutes of Health released a disturbing report showing that individuals with substance use disorders are more likely to get COVID-19 and suffer more serious complications from it.  Health care providers were advised to closely monitor their patients who have substance use disorder and have an action plan to prevent their infection and be prepared to deal with the outcomes.

Study shows that African Americans are disproportionately affected.

Non-identifiable electronic health records of over 73 million patients in the United States were analyzed and it was discovered that patients with substance use disorders made up a total of 10.3% of the study population, but that they represented 15.6% of the total COVID-19 cases.  Of those patients who were diagnosed with substance use disorder, those most likely to develop COVID-19 were those with opioid use disorder followed by tobacco use disorder.

The study also found that African Americans with a recent history of opioid use disorder were four times more likely to have a COVID-19 diagnosis than whites with opioid use disorder.  Ongoing health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, renal and cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent with African Americans than their white counterparts.  All those conditions increase risk factors.

The study also found that those patients who had substance use disorder and developed COVID-19 were more likely to have worse outcomes including hospitalization and death than those people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 without a diagnosis of substance use disorder.

One possible reason for the increased risk of negative outcomes for patients with substance use disorder is that lungs and cardiovascular systems are more likely to be compromised in that population.  Health care providers are recommended to consider those patients a vulnerable population just like any other high-risk group.

Gulf Breeze Recovery has proven to be a safe environment for Substance Use Disorder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Gulf Breeze Recovery we understand the risks of COVID-19.  We take our responsibility for safety seriously.  All incoming guests are tested for COVID-19 and all staff and guests are tested regularly in an ongoing effort to maintain overall safety.

Gulf Breeze Recovery strives to offer the best and most comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse treatment options in the country, with plans of treatment tailored to fit individual needs.  Our professional and medical staff are available today to meet all your needs for high-quality substance abuse treatment.

If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of alcohol or substance use and/or relapse, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about their residential program, out-patient program, and intensive out-patient program, and which of these can best fit your individual needs.  These programs have helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace their new happy, healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE!