Supporting the Supporters: Demographics and Trends of a Substance Use Helpline for Concerned Significant Others (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Concerned significant others (CSOs) play a significant role in supporting individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). There are a lack of tailored support services for these CSOs, despite their substantial contributions to the well-being and recovery of their loved ones (LOs). The emergence of helplines as a potential avenue for CSO support is outlined, culminating in the focus on the Partnership to End Addiction's Helpline service, an innovative public health intervention aimed at aiding CSOs concerned about their LO's substance use. OBJECTIVE The article analyzes the demographic trends and utilization patterns of the Partnership's Helpline service, highlighting the critical role of such services, and advocating for expanded, tailored support models. METHODS The study draws data from eight data platforms spanning April 2011 to December 2021, encompassing 24,096 client records. Detailed descriptions of data sources and cleaning procedures are available in the Supplement. Surveys were either completed by Helpline Specialists during synchronous telephone calls, amalgamating CSO-provided information and specialist insights, or self-reported by CSOs before Helpline engagement. Collected information encompasses demographics, interaction language, substance of concern, CSO-LO relationship, and the LO's 'use state,' defining their location on the continuum of substance use and associated consequences. RESULTS CCSOs primarily comprised women (76.1%) seeking support for their children (68.9%). LOs were mostly male (62.7%), aged 18-25 (33%), identifying as heterosexual/straight (90.0%), with primary substance concerns being cannabis (40.9%), opioids (19%), and stimulants (12.1%). CSOs primarily sought aid for LOs struggling with substances who were not in treatment (62.9%). In terms of language, the majority of CSOs were looking for support in English (82.2%), while the rest (17.8%) preferred to communicate in Spanish. Spanish-speaking CSOs were significantly more likely to call about cannabis (53.7% vs. 38.6%): and stimulants (16.9% vs. 11.3%) than English-speaking CSOs (p < .001). On the other hand, English-speaking CSOs were more likely to be concerned about opioids than Spanish-speaking CSOs (21.3% vs. 5.2%). (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The study illuminates the Helpline's pioneering role in aiding concerned significant others grappling with a loved one’s substance use. It highlights helplines as crucial resources for CSOs, revealing key demographic, substance-related, and use-state trends. The dominant presence of women among users aligns with mental health helpline patterns, reflecting traditional caregiving roles. While parents form a significant percentage of those reaching out, support is also sought by siblings, friends, and other family members, emphasizing the need for assistance for other members of an LO’s social network. Spanish-speaking individuals' significant outreach underscores the necessity for bilingual support services due to language and cultural barriers. Substance concerns revolve around cannabis, opioids, and stimulants, influenced by age and language preferences. The Helpline serves as an essential intermediary for CSOs, filling a gap between acute crisis intervention services and formalized health care and treatment services. Future directions involve understanding CSO concerns, user dynamics, outcome assessments, intervention models, and integration into broader care frameworks. Overall, the study highlights this helpline's crucial role in aiding CSOs with tailored, accessible support services. CLINICALTRIAL N/A