Substance use among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29296/25877305-2024-04-05
Issue: 
4
Year: 
2024

Professor K. Amlaev, MD; Associate Professor V. Mazharov, Сandidate of Medical Sciences; O. Kravchenko, Сandidate of Medical Sciences; V. Zafirova, Сandidate of Medical Sciences; D. Khubieva, Сandidate of Medical Sciences
Stavropol State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

The article discusses issues reflecting the use of psychoactive substances among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescence is an important stage of development, during which the foundation is often laid for future patterns of substance use. Both the amount and frequency of use during this period are closely related to the risk of excessive use and substance abuse in adulthood. The use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in youth worsens psychological and neurocognitive development and increases the risk of academic failure, chronic and mental illnesses. Thus, the prevention of substance use among young people remains an important public health priority worldwide. Effective strategies should include educational campaigns, psychological support, and access to quality medical care. In addition, it is also necessary to provide youth with opportunities for an active lifestyle so that they can find alternative ways to relax and overcome stress. The support and care provided by parents, family and friends, as well as the structure, supervision and support provided by teachers and school staff, also play an important role.
Keywords: 
COVID-19
adolescence
psychoactive substances

References: 
  1. Prowse R., Sherratt F., Abizaid A. et al. Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: examining gender differences in stress and mental health among university students. Front Psychiatry. 2021; 12: 650759. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.650759
  2. Kumari A., Ranjan P., Chopra S. et al. Knowledge, barriers and facilitators regarding COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination programme among the general population: a cross-sectional survey from one thousand two hundred and forty-nine participants. Diabetes Metab Syndr Clin Res Rev. 2021; 15: 987–92. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.04.015
  3. WHO. WHO Coronavirus Disease Dashboard [Internet]. Who.Int. 2022 [cited 2022 Feb 9]. p.1. Available from: https://covid19.who.int/
  4. Honein M.A., Christie A., Rose D.A. et al. Morbidity and mortality weekly report summary of guidance for public health strategies to address high levels of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and related deaths, December 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020; 69: (49):1860–7. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6949e2
  5. Bera L., Souchon M., Ladsous A. et al. Emotional and behavioral impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in adolescents. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2022; 24 (1): 37–46. DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01313-8
  6. Mann M.J., Smith M.L., Kristjansson A.L. et al. Our children are not “behind” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but our institutional response might be. J Sch Health. 2021; 91 (6): 447–50. DOI: 10.1111/josh.13016
  7. Noyes E., Yeo E., Yerton M. et al. Harm reduction for adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of community care in reach. Public Health Rep. 2021; 136: 301–8. DOI: 10.1177/0033354921999396
  8. Pfefferbaum B. Children’s psychological reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2021; 23 (11): 75. DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01289-x
  9. Kristjansson A.L., Lilly C.L., Thorisdottir I.E. et al. Testing risk and protective factor assumptions in the Icelandic model of adolescent substance use prevention. Health Educ Res. 2021; 36: 309–18. DOI: 10.1093/her/cyaa052
  10. Dumas T.M., Ellis W., Litt D.M. What does adolescent substance use look like during the COVID-19 pandemic? Examining changes in frequency, social contexts, and pandemic-related predictors. J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 354–61. DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.06.018
  11. Czeisler M.É., Lane R.I., Petrosky E. et al. Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic – United States, June 24–30, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020; 69 (32): 1049–57. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1
  12. Van Laar M.W., Oomen P.E., Van Miltenburg C.J. et al. Cannabis and COVID-19: reasons for concern. Front Psychiatry. 2020; 11: 601653. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.601653
  13. Оehnke K.F., McAfee J., Ackerman J.M. et al. Medication and substance use increases among people using cannabis medically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Drug Policy. 2021; 92: 103053. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103053
  14. Acuti Martellucci C., Martellucci M., Flacco M. et al. Trends in alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns: systematic review. Eur J Public Health. 2021; 31 (Suppl 3): ckab165.133. DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.133
  15. Smith B.T., Brumage M.R., Zullig K.J. et al. Adverse childhood experiences among females in substance use treatment and their children: a pilot study. Prev Med Rep. 2021; 24: 101571. DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101571
  16. Kourti A., Stavridou A., Panagouli E. et al. Domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Trauma Violence Abuse. 2023; 24 (2): 719–45. DOI: 10.1177/15248380211038690
  17. Hawke L.D., Sheikhan N.Y., MacCon K. et al. Going virtual: youth attitudes toward and experiences of virtual mental health and substance use services during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Health Serv Res. 2021; 21 (1): 340. DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06321-7