Supporting Self-isolation for COVID-19 With "Risk Mitigation" Prescribing and Housing Supports for People Who Use Drugs: A Case Report.
J Addict Med
; 16(5): 592-594, 2022.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2116973
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Self-isolation is critical in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. However, people who use drugs face significant barriers in adhering to the regulations. As a response, several supportive measures have been introduced in British Columbia, including temporary housing access and "risk mitigation" prescribing, in which health care providers prescribe pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply to prevent withdrawal and reduce overdose risk. CASESUMMARY:
We present a case of a 39-year-old male with a history of polysubstance use and frequent overdoses, who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and was able to successfully self-isolate. "Risk mitigation" prescribing, supportive housing, and harm reduction services were initiated for his self-isolation and connection to community outreach teams for ongoing support.DISCUSSION:
This case illustrates how "risk mitigation" prescribing supported patient's self-isolation, reduced his illicit drug use, and offered an opportunity for healthcare engagement. Access to safer alternatives to the toxic drug supply should continue beyond COVID-19 pandemic to address the persistent issues of contaminated drug supply and the overdose crisis in North America.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Illicit Drugs
/
Drug Overdose
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Case report
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
J Addict Med
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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