Readiness for a Pandemic, and Factors Associated With Substance Abuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Cross-Sectional Study

The pandemic we live through has put various sectors of the medical system and its tributaries to the test. The accumulation of external and internal stress has been completely correlated with the predisposition to psycho-emotional problems and, in turn, to drug use as an immature response for ego protection. That is why the economic, social, and psychological evaluation can help understand the current situation about drug abuse and how to help patients afflicted by it. The added stress of personal problems, work alterations, daily life in a pandemic, economic and varied responsibilities, and the understanding of the pandemic have predisposed and amplified the use of drugs to reduce emotional distress perceived by individuals. The hypothesis of this study is that the increment of stress and a lack of preparation for the pandemic are associated with increased drug abuse.