Prevalence and correlates of stocking up on drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the C3PNO Consortium

Original research
by
King, L et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

North America

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We investigated stockpiling drugs among people who use drugs (PWUD) in five cities in the United States and Canada.

Findings/Key points

We observed that approximately one-in-ten participants reported stocking up on drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This behaviour was associated with important drug-related risk factors including high-intensity methamphetamine use. While these correlations need further inquiry, it is possible that addressing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable PWUD could help limit drug stockpiling, which may lower rates of high-intensity stimulant use.

Design/methods

Interviews with 1,873 people

Keywords

Stimulants
About PWUD
Illegal drugs