Illicit drug use in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic

The use of illicit drugs is associated with numerous negative psychological, physiological, financial, social, and legal effects [1]. The restrictions associated with COVID-19 have exacerbated these outcomes for many people around the world, with an increase in anxiety and depression and reduced overall well-being being evident [2].

Restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have limited travel and people’s day-to-day movement, resulting in an inability to interact in person with friends and family, leading to a marked reduction in overall well-being for many people. The changes brought about by these restrictions to what were often previously regarded as prosaic activities have had several flow-on effects, including alterations in how people work, socialise, and engage in any number of licit and illicit pursuits. The restrictions imposed on mobility have particularly affected how people use illicit drugs.