What is the Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals Recovering from Substance Addiction?

• In Event: Substance Use, Death, and COVID

Abstract

The COVID-19 virus has upended all areas of life across the globe. Activities that would normally be undertaken indoors (e.g., work, school) shifted to remote participation; or in-person, socially distanced, masked-up events. This includes attendance at 12-step recovery meetings (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous [NA], Alcoholics Anonymous [AA]). This study examines the effects of remote attendance at recovery meetings, and how perceptions of the pandemic, mask wearing, and vaccination requirements have impacted recovery. Preliminary findings from a study on the impact of COVID-19 social distancing requirements on substance abuse recovery will be presented. During the summer of 2022, the principal investigator began the process of recruiting and interviewing what will ultimately be a sample of 100 individuals recovering from substance addiction. The study’s goals are as follows: Aim 1 – Assess the impact of COVID-19 on individuals' substance abuse and recovery, including participants' feelings about remote meetings, experience of the pandemic as traumatic, and whether and how participants may have relapsed. Aim 2 – Assess how perceptions of the pandemic may have impacted individuals recovering from addiction, with special focus on attitudes about contracting COVID-19, experiences of having and receiving treatment for COVID-19 (if relevant), and attitudes about masking and vaccines.

Author

• Constance Hassett-Walker, Norwich University