Thread by @Drug_Researcher

I’m no virologist but I’m a drug scientist so here are my expert recommendations regarding COVID-19 and substance use. (1/11)

#COVID #coronavirus #COVID19US #drugs #alcohol #drinking #cannabiscoronavirus #ecigs #vaping #coffee #psychedelics #QuarentineLife #harmreduction

Your immune system and behavior not only affect you – they play a vital role in making sure our entire species is able to successfully battle this virus and minimize the number of deaths, because you are a potential vector for transmission. (2/11)

If you've been thinking you need to stop your heavy use of a substance, now is a critical time to claim your birthright as a human and gain full agency over your choices. Regardless of your use level, here're some pointers regarding substance use during this pandemic: (3/11)

1 - Stop or at least reduce drinking. Many recreational substances have immunosuppressive effects or can be behaviorally mediated vectors for infectious transmission. The most commonly used immunosuppressive recreational drug is alcohol. (4/11)

My best advice is to stop drinking and using non-medically necessary drugs, both legal and illegal, during this pandemic. If you keep drinking, then drink less. One heavy drinking episode hammers your immune system, putting you at ... (5/11)

increased acute odds of infection if exposed to the virus. Ignore all the social media hype about drinking at home and taking advantage of alcohol home delivery. “Coping”’ with stress and boredom at this time with an immunosuppressive drug is not a good idea. (6/11)

2 - Don’t inhale any substance. Tobacco smokers in China were disproportionately devastated with COVID-19. Even cannabis smoking leads to increased upper respiratory infections -- there is no scientific controversy over this. Don’t smoke or vape anything ... (7/11)

as it might increase the likelihood of contracting or worsening the symptoms of COVID-19.

3 - Watch the caffeine use. Many folks reach for the coffee and other caffeine sources while stuck at home. It can have an indirect immunosuppressive effect if you drink so much ... (8/11)

or late enough in the day that it interferes with your sleep. Also, as many of us deal with anxiety during this crisis, keep in mind that caffeine increases anxiety. Just be mindful of these effects and moderate accordingly. (9/11)

4 - No sharing. If you do use any substance, then share nothing. Drugs are often used to socialize, but that’s a horrible idea now because you shouldn’t even be within 6 feet of those you don’t live with. Most of us know needle sharing is very dangerous ... (10/11)

but right now you need to put the following in the same category: tasting someone’s alcoholic or caffeinated drink, passing joints, blunts, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and sharing a pipe (bowl, bong, pizzo, stem) for any drug.

Spread this message, not the virus. (11/11)