Impact

Impacts of the coronavirus on parental substance abuse

Credit: Penn State / Penn StateCreative Commons

Market research regarding substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic shows alcoholic beverage sales increased by about 55% in March 2020 compared to March 2019, while sales of combustible cigarettes increased across several countries. Meanwhile, the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program indicated an increase of 42% in opioid overdoses nationally by May compared to the previous year. In this post, Rina Eiden, professor of psychology and Social Science Research Institute cofunded faculty member, discusses the complex issue of substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific emphasis on the likely negative impacts on the family unit.

To read more about this and other issues, visit the Insights from Experts website — a partnership of Penn State's Social Science Research Institute and the Center for Health Care and Policy Research.

Last Updated September 1, 2020

Contact