A network analysis of early trauma and impulsive behavior in individuals with mono- and poly-dependence of alcohol and crack cocaine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between impulsivity and early trauma through a network analysis in individuals diagnosed with different substance use disorders (SUD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study includes a sample of 556 men with SUD (195 with alcohol use, 157 with crack cocaine use and 214 with multiple substance use). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was applied to investigate early trauma and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale to assess impulsive behavior. The connection between trauma and impulsivity was assessed using network analysis through Fused Graphical Lasso algorithm. RESULTS: No connection was observed between impulsivity and trauma networks in individuals with alcohol use. In cocaine users, networks were linked through the motor domain and sexual abuse nodes. Inversely connections were observed between emotional neglect node and perseverance and not planning nodes. In poly-use, the connection between impulsivity and trauma networks was weak, with cognitive complexity being the node that connects to the trauma network through physical abuse. There were inversely proportional connections between motor domain and emotional neglect nodes, and cognitive instability and physical neglect. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the relationship between the type of early (childhood) trauma and the expression of impulsivity could lead to a different substance use profile.

High COVID-19 morbidity and mortality risk among smoked drug users in Brazil.

ABSTRACT: In much of the West, including Brazil, drug use has increased since social distancing began in response to the pandemic. Use of smoked and modified drugs, and their impacts on health, may contribute to aggravate the effects of the pandemic. However, studies on the relationship between use of smoked drugs and the new coronavirus are still scarce and have not received enough attention in global health recommendations. This paper aims to briefly review the relationship between use of smoked drugs and acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. Recent studies also suggest that drug consumption increases the risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 and leads to worse prognosis, particularly consumption of drugs that affect lung function. Use of smoked drugs, especially tobacco, is strongly associated with lung diseases that are risk factors for contamination by SARS-CoV-2. It is essential to develop strategies based on specific characteristics of drug users and for mental health professionals to be included in strategic teams. It is also necessary to invest in information campaigns regarding risks and prevention of harm caused by smoked drugs as well as to design strategies that facilitate access to psychosocial treatment during the pandemic.

Multiple clinical risks for cannabis users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been a great concern for public and mental health systems worldwide. The identification of risk groups is essential for the establishment of preventive and therapeutic strategies, as for substance users. During COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the use of psychoactive substances during the lockdown, including cannabis. This commentary reviews relevant findings and discusses scientific evidence on the risks of worse clinical and psychiatric complications due to coronavirus disease COVID-19 in subjects who use cannabis. Although they are not included as a risk group in the health recommendations for that disease, they may have a more vulnerable respiratory system to viral diseases. There are certain similarities between the harmful cardiovascular and respiratory effects of cannabis use and those of smoking. Due to the different modes of smoking, cannabis chemicals are retained in the body for longe and may also contain other toxic substances such as tar, a substance found in tobacco and which has been associated with the development of lung cancer, bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Therefore, we discuss if individuals who use cannabis regularly might be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. This population deserves more clinical attention worldwide and this manuscript can help clinicians become more aware of cannabis risks during pandemics and develop specific intervention strategies.

High COVID-19 morbidity and mortality risk among smoked drug users in Brazil

Abstract In much of the West, including Brazil, drug use has increased since social distancing began in response to the pandemic. Use of smoked and modified drugs, and their impacts on health, may contribute to aggravate the effects of the pandemic. However, studies on the relationship between use of smoked drugs and the new coronavirus are still scarce and have not received enough attention in global health recommendations. This paper aims to briefly review the relationship between use of smoked drugs and acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. Recent studies also suggest that drug consumption increases the risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 and leads to worse prognosis, particularly consumption of drugs that affect lung function. Use of smoked drugs, especially tobacco, is strongly associated with lung diseases that are risk factors for contamination by SARS-CoV-2. It is essential to develop strategies based on specific characteristics of drug users and for mental health professionals to be included in strategic teams. It is also necessary to invest in information campaigns regarding risks and prevention of harm caused by smoked drugs as well as to design strategies that facilitate access to psychosocial treatment during the pandemic.