Online support for all: Examining participant characteristics, engagement, and perceived benefits of an online harm reduction, abstinence, and moderation focused support group for alcohol and other drugs

Abstract

Objective: Online support groups and social network sites for individuals with substance use disorders are regularly used yet little is known about how individuals engage with them. This study sought to extend research on online support groups/social network sites by examining engagement with an online Harm reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support (HAMS) group.Method: HAMS members were invited to complete a brief online survey about their HAMS engagement (n=343). The average age of participants was 41.55 (SD=12.61) and most identified as White (93.9%), female (78.8%), and cisgender women (70.1%). Participants completed measures of HAMS participation, substance use goal, quantity/frequency of substance use, mental health history, negative substance use-related consequences, and quality of life.Results: A majority of participants (67.1%) reported a substance use moderation goal and alcohol was the most commonly reported substance used (91.6%). Participants most frequently reported visiting HAMS daily (39.2%) and visits typically lasted up to 30 minutes (86.1%). The most common engagement methods were reading a Facebook group post (89.5%) and posting in the Facebook group (72.9%). Most participants somewhat or strongly agreed HAMS helped them feel better about changing their use of drugs/alcohol (87.1%, M=4.41/5, SD=0.81), increased their motivation for changing their use of drugs/alcohol (89.2%, M=4.44/5, SD=0.77), and increased their self-efficacy in reaching/maintaining the substance use goals (85.1%, M=4.29/5, SD=1.05).Conclusions: Online support for harm reduction, abstinence, and moderation goals may be beneficial for individuals who seek to stop/limit their substance use. Online support is well-suited for individuals seeking quick, inexpensive access to support.