COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol has been published. 

The updated guidance highlights that people who misuse or are dependent on drugs and alcohol may also be at increased risk of becoming infected, and infecting others, with coronavirus (COVID-19). People in these groups may also be more vulnerable to poor health outcomes due to underlying conditions. 

The guide covers a range of topics and provides additional sources of support that community pharmacies can use to further assist people through signposting: 

• Protection against infection  

• Considerations for people using drugs or alcohol  
• Children and families  
• Mental health  
• Access to opioid substitution treatment  
• Needle and syringe programmes (NSPs)  

• Drug detoxification  
• Alcohol harm reduction and detoxification  
• Non-medical support  
• Those not in drug and alcohol treatment  
• What else commissioners and providers of drug and alcohol treatment services can do  

• Cleaning and waste 

Pharmacists who provide services to support people dependent on drugs or alcohol are encouraged to ensure they are familiar with the guidance. Read the guidance here.