NIH study links SUDs with COVID-19 susceptibility

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its complications, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). After analyzing electronic health record data from 360 U.S. hospitals, the researchers found far higher hospitalization and death rates among COVID-19 patients with recorded SUDs. The findings, published this week in Molecular Psychiatry, suggested health care providers should closely monitor patients with SUDs and develop action plans to help shield them from infection and severe outcomes. (NIH news release, 9/14/20)