NIDA Director Outlines Potential Risks to People Who Smoke and Use Drugs During COVID-19 Pandemic
![](/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2020-05/shutterstock_1621031059.jpg?itok=fSDniLNM)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
However, those with underlying medical problems are more likely to develop serious illness.
In this article Dr. Volkow discusses how the serious health risks of COVID-19 pose unique challenges to people who smoke or vape, are already struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), or are in recovery from addiction.