Pilot study examines the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with SUD

The Addiction Policy Forum conducted a pilot study to understand the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) and found that many participants struggled to access and utilize services during the pandemic. Out of 1,079 respondents, 34% reported changes or disruptions in accessing treatment or recovery support services; 20% of respondents reported increased substance use since the pandemic began; and 87% of those who reported access disruptions also reported emotional changes, compared to 72% of those who did not report access disruptions. Additionally, respondents cited that a lack of access to 12-step or support group meetings and the closing of recovery drop-in and peer-run recovery centers limited their ability to connect and receive peer support.