The novel coronavirus has been interrupting the economy around the world and interfering with typical supply and demand.
At the start of the pandemic, people rushed out to get toilet paper and hand sanitizer at alarming rates while gas stations were mostly empty and airports became ghost towns. Businesses who wanted to stay in business had to adapt and find new ways to survive. To combat drug distribution problems, the illicit drug trade has had to make some drastic changes to drug prices during coronavirus.
Changing Drug Prices from COVID-19
Like other businesses, the illegal drug trade has had to change the way they work and adapt to the new restrictions that came with the coronavirus pandemic. With people bored, stuck inside, and stressed, some are turning to drugs for solace or comfort. People who formerly completed intensive inpatient treatment and got sober may be relapsing during this uncomfortable time. While the demand for drugs has not changed much or may have even increased in some cases, the supply chain has faced large disruptions.With increased travel restrictions and people staying home, drug traders and cartels are having a harder time moving their products as well as the supplies necessary to make these products around the globe. Production has slowed and drug seizures are becoming more common. These many obstacles have forced drug prices to rise during coronavirus to make up for it.
In Los Angeles, the price of methamphetamine doubled from this time now compared to last year, largely in part due to the coronoavirus.1 Across the country in New York, the price of marijuana has reportedly increased by 55%, cocaine by 12%, and heroin by 7%.2 These price increases have been occurring across the world as well. Italy and the United Kingdom are also reporting higher prices than normal at the street level amidst the coronavirus pandemic.3
With the drug prices rising because of COVID-19, some people may be rationing their supplies or being forced to go through a drug detox at home because they can no longer afford to fuel their addictions. As businesses start to reopen and people begin traveling once more, these illicit drug prices are likely to change once more and decrease, but the impact could be long-lasting.
If you are addicted to illicit drugs and struggling to get your hands on these drugs, the time is now to get sober. Our residential rehab in the Treasure Coast can help you quit for good so that you can begin to live a life without these substances.
To learn more about our programming at Banyan Detox Stuart or to start the admissions process, reach out to us now by calling 888-280-4763.
Sources:
- Courier Journal - Mexican cartels stockpile drugs and money amid COVID-19 pandemic
- NBC News - COVID-19 is costing drug cartels millions of dollars
- NPR - Pandemic Disrupts Illegal Drug Trade, Upending Both Product And Profits
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
