International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research  |  e-ISSN: 2582-8940  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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     2026:7/4

International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research

e-ISSN: 2582-8940 | Open Access

Global Patterns of Polysubstance Abuse and Overdose Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aisha Katsina Isa

Independent Researcher, USA

Article Information

Volume / Issue3 / 3 (July-September 2022)
Pages55-58
AccessOpen Access

Publication Timeline

  • Received15 August 2022
  • Accepted21 September 2022

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Abstract

COVID-19 emerged at a time when many countries were already struggling with an escalating opioid crisis and increasingly complex patterns of polysubstance abuse. Although global attention focused on the spread of the virus, individuals with substance use disorders faced major disruptions in care, unstable drug supplies, and heightened socioeconomic pressures. This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature published through 2021 to examine how the pandemic affected overdose mortality, patterns of polysubstance use, and access to services across diverse settings. Evidence from epidemiological studies, clinical research, and qualitative reports shows that fatal overdoses increased during the pandemic, driven by treatment disruptions, isolation, changes in drug availability, and emotional distress. Polysubstance involvement, including combinations of opioids, stimulants, and sedatives, played a significant role. While telehealth expansion and more flexible medication policies helped sustain treatment for some, these adaptations were unevenly implemented and did not fully reach structurally disadvantaged groups. The findings underscore the necessity for robust public health strategies that guarantee continuity of treatment, safeguard harm reduction programs, and mitigate socioeconomic inequities during future emergencies.

Keywords

COVID-19Opioid CrisisPolysubstance AbuseOverdose MortalityTreatment DisruptionsDrug Supply Changes

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How to Cite

Isa, A. K. (2022). Global Patterns of Polysubstance Abuse and Overdose Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 3(3), 55-58. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2022.3.3.55-58

Isa, Aisha Katsina. "Global Patterns of Polysubstance Abuse and Overdose Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 3, no. 3, 2022, pp. 55-58. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2022.3.3.55-58.

Isa, A. K. (2022) 'Global Patterns of Polysubstance Abuse and Overdose Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 3(3), pp. 55-58. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2022.3.3.55-58.

Isa AK. Global Patterns of Polysubstance Abuse and Overdose Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2022;3(3):55-58. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2022.3.3.55-58

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