Coronavirus and drug harm reduction.
12th March 2020
12th March 2020
Most drug using behaviours can increase the risks of Covid-19 transmission - whether you are smoking a joint, snorting cocaine, or injecting heroin - but basic precautions can reduce these risks. It’s all common sense, but worth reinforcing; essentially combining existing Covid-19 transmission prevention advice with established harm reduction practices (that already seek to prevent virus/bacterial transmission more generally).
The following advice has been compiled from advice circulated by the US Harm Reduction Coalition, Crew2000, Russell Newcombe (@TheNewImpostor), and @drugsmeter
Eating well, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated - can all boost your immune system. As @drugsmeter also note: ‘big nights out and regular use of many drugs can suppress your immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections so this might be a good time to cut back’. Healthy living, moderation and periods of abstinence, and looking out for your friends are obviously good ideas more generally.
People over 65 and people with certain pre-existing medical conditions (including heart disease, respiratory illness, diabetes, or people who are immuno-compromised) are much more vulnerable to coronavirus and should take these precautions very seriously. People less vulnerable to the effects of Covid19 still have a responsibility to not help spread it.
Covid-19 can be spread via saliva, and via hard surfaces, hand to mouth - so for the time being, avoid sharing cigarettes, joints, pipes, bongs, vapes, glasses, cups and bottles. Just because alcohol is in hand sanitiser does not mean drinking it will protect you.
Harm reduction around drug snorting is often neglected - but it is more important than ever with Covid-19.
People who use opioids or inject drugs are at greater risk.
Current advice is to minimise or avoid close contact with others - especially those who are diagnosed with Covid-19 or have symptoms. This is basically impossible in most club, party and social settings - and on much public transport. Definitely avoid social interactions if you have any flu or cold like symptoms.
Even if commercial venues, parties and festivals are not temporarily closed or cancelled (as many already are) it’s probably a good moment to reign in partying for a while. Try something else; read a book, meditate, paint some watercolours of eerily deserted streets - whatever floats your boat.
Coronavirus can certainly be transmitted by close contact and kissing - so its also a good time to ease off on rampages of sex/snogging, and failing that, always practice safe sex.
More information:
Crew 2000
CoronaVirus: general hygiene and harm reduction tips
Harm reduction Coalition
COVID-19 Guidance for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Programs
Steve Rolles, Senior Policy Analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation.
12/03/20