Online recovery support meetings can help mitigate the public health consequences of COVID-19 for individuals with substance use disorder

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic puts people with current and remitted SUD at increased risk for symptom exacerbation and relapse through added stressors and reduced service access. Critically, individuals can adhere to public health guidelines for social distancing by physical distancing while engaging with ongoing social support and connection via free, online recovery support meetings. Given the potential benefits, in context of barriers and risks that may be partially addressed, we believe the risk-to-benefit ratio of online recovery support meeting participation is favorable. Particularly during this time of limited access to empirically-supported services, these digital recovery support services may help address COVID-19-related risks and thereby mitigate the overall public health burden of this pandemic.

Nonfatal opioid overdoses before and after Covid-19: Regional variation in rates of change

“…Indeed, recent studies have documented a staggering increase in a variety of risk factors for substance use and overdose, including worsening psychiatric outcomes (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression), loneliness, economic distress, and disruptions to daily living and routine PLOS ONE (e.g., childcare burden, poor sleep quality) [35][36][37][38][39], increased likelihood of using drugs alone, changes to illicit drug supplies [23], and reduced physical access to treatment services. On the other hand, mitigating influences could have included the relaxation of restrictions on dispensation of methadone and buprenorphine, disruption to supply chains for illicit drugs, and adherence to stay-at-home mandates and physical-distancing guidelines, which might reduce drug-acquisition behaviors [40][41][42][43][44][45].…”

The impact of social support on substance use recovery and exploring potential protective and risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Those in substance use recovery are at a greater risk for experiencing negative mental health consequences including relapse when exposed to additional stress such as disruptions to recovery related activities. Additionally, disruptions in feelings of social connectedness can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness which may negatively impact an individual's quality of life and recovery (Bergman et al, 2021). The present study aimed to better understand the role of perceived social support and social engagement during the midst of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and individuals in early recovery.…”

Client perspectives on the accessibility and quality of substance use treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for both those engaged in substance use and treatment service providers. Providers shifted to online services out of necessity ( Bergman et al., 2020 ); however, participants reported diminished quality of services that created negative perceptions toward online services. Our findings support the work of Barret and Murphy (2021) who found 12-step members experienced more challenges, less social support, less quality of social support overall, and less recovery network quality in comparison to their experiences in face-to-face meetings and settings.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic presented immense challenges for substance use treatment service providers as many had to adopt an online format to continue operations. Online support programs, in the right context, can be helpful for persons attempting to maintain recovery or stop misuse through counseling and meetings ( Bergman et al., 2020 ; Spagnolo et al., 2020 ). Telemedicine can also be a useful practice to evaluate withdrawal symptoms and treat patients when physicians are not easily available or accessible ( Molfenter et al., 2021 ).…”