What's happened to all the addicts

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Serious question. If Italy is in lockdown are loads of people with addiction going cold turkey?

Hopeful bump.. I’ve been wondering about this too....

No idea about Italy. In the UK people delivering drug treatment programmes are frontline key workers.

I was talking to a magistrate on Weds who said the street addicts here (UK city) are behaving even more erratically than usual as their supply chain has been interrupted already. The police are already stretched with additional violence and other crime.

There will be some stockpilers, some panic buyers, some who socially isolate but can't use as normal (and end up with withdrawals), some who refuse to socially isolate because they are not able to use like normal. Many who's living situation means they can't stick to the measures, as well. Just like people everywhere really, only they have an addiction to worry about ON TOP. And yes, whilst their may be measures put in place for front line drug workers and prescribing there will also be lots of groups and support not running so I think people will struggle more than normal. I think all vulnerable groups are more vulnerable right now, but addicts take risks other people wouldn't when times are good so right now it's going to be a shambles.

Thanks all esp HelloDulling - useful, I have noticed a crack den in my neighbourhood for the first time (London zone2). I can’t imagine it’s new, just that the users smoking on the street are more visible

I can't imagine black market dealers being too concerned with government requests to stay at home. If there's a proper lockdown, hey may give some people the chance to break the cycle and get clean? Every cloud...

Maybe a good reason to NOT do a lockdown (although I’m generally in favour) - the problems associated with users going through withdrawal unwillingly might cause too many problems for society

Wonder how the supply gets through when borders close too!