https://library.icmglt.org/files/original/33fc1835109bd42b6aa76c7e11f3213c.png 6e7eafa6901025c7eff01f971ca0a6ca Electronic Resource View Source <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2562455">https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2562455</a> Document Type Journal article Author(s) Hridika Shah, Sara Whaley, Isha K. Desai, Minna Song, Avery Meyer, Omeid Heidari, Sean T. Allen, Noa Krawczyk, Susan G. Sherman, Brendan Saloner, Samantha J. Harris Volume Vol. 61 Issue No. 3 Publisher Taylor & Francis Journal Name Substance Use & Misuse Publication Date 2025 ISBN 10826084 Region United States Language English Access Restricted Access Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on people who use drugs (PWUD). Reductions in access to harm reduction tools and treatment services elevated rates of fatal overdose for many. We explore the mechanism through which these factors influenced the rise in overdose mortality during COVID-19 from the perspective of people with overdose encounters. Methods We conducted in-depth, semi-structured, 60-minute telephone-based interviews with 43 overdose survivors and witnesses between January and May 2022. Participants were from nine states (ME, MI, MD, NJ, NY, NM, PA, TN, WV) and Washington, DC. Data were analyzed thematically following the Continuum of Overdose Risk. Results Most reported worsening mental health and increasing substance use during COVID-19. Isolation due to quarantining measures, coping behaviors, despair, and traumatic grief contributed to resumptions in drug use and risky behaviors. Some discussed how these stressors, combined with the rapid availability of financial resources led to increased use. Participants also attributed increased overdose risk to the increasingly toxic drug supply and stifled harm reduction access. Accounts of methadone treatment varied, however several expressed inconsistent access to take-home methadone, potentially contributing to resumed use. Conclusions Numerous micro- and macro-social factors, as well as the drug supply and treatment disruptions contributed to the acceleration in overdose risk. Increased funding and policy reform are needed to reduce overdose mortality in future public health emergencies, including improving harm reduction and treatment service adaptations to fit the needs of clients, as well as upholding and expanding novel methadone treatment delivery models. Cataloger Julia Arizono Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A Qualitative Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Overdose Risk from the Perspective of Survivors and Witnesses of Drug Overdose: Lessons for Future Public Health Emergencies Subject The topic of the resource Drugs--Overdose COVID-19 Mental Health Public Health Social Factors Substance Abuse Survivors United States