Exploring the Nexus of Climate Change and Substance Abuse: A Scoping Review

Luca Tomassini, Massimo Lancia (), Angela Gambelunghe, Abdellah Zahar, Niccolò Pini and Cristiana Gambelunghe
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Luca Tomassini: School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Massimo Lancia: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
Angela Gambelunghe: Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
Abdellah Zahar: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
Niccolò Pini: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
Cristiana Gambelunghe: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: Introduction: The increase in average air temperature and multiple extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and droughts, pose significant health risks to humans. This scoping review aims to examine the current state of the existing literature concerning the potential relationship between substance abuse and climate change, along with the aspects it encompasses. Material and methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines for methodological rigor, aiming to identify studies on drug abuse. Searches were conducted across the primary databases using specific search strings. Quality assessment involved evaluating the research question’s clarity, search strategy transparency, consistency in applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and reliability of data extraction. Results: Most studies were conducted in the USA. They included observational and retrospective quantitative studies, as well as qualitative and prospective observational ones. Research examined the correlation between extreme weather and some substance abuse. All studies analyzed the adverse effects of climate change, especially heatwaves, on both physiological and pathological levels. Conclusions: The scoping review notes the scarcity of studies about the correlation between substance abuse and climate change, and emphasizes the threats faced by individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders due to climate change.

Keywords: climate change; substance abuse; drugs; heatwaves; health risks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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