On the downer side… –

May 7, 2020 – Finally, the social isolation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic is leaving people especially vulnerable.

Some support groups for people experiencing opioid addiction or for those in recovery are now taking place over Zoom, Volkow said. But the virtual contact often just isn’t the same. 

“One of the most powerful interventions is to keep people in treatment is that social network,” she said. “Isolation can lead you to seek out some relief, like starting to take drugs.”

It will be a while before we know the true effects that Covid-19 has had on those who struggle with opioid use disorders, Volkow said. But already, there are many reasons to worry.

@CNN