“How can I hug someone now [over the phone]?”: Impacts of COVID-19 on peer recovery specialists and clients in substance use treatment

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108649Get rights and content

Highlights

  • COVID-19 and substance use have disproportionately affected minority populations.

  • Peer recovery specialists (PRSs) serve those likely experiencing the brunt of COVID-19.

  • PRSs have faced challenges and role adaptions amidst the pandemic.

  • A key barrier PRSs identified to recovery was a loss in interpersonal connection.

  • Future research should continue to explore these challenges/adaptations overtime.

Abstract

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected underserved, low-income, ethnoracial minority communities, as well as those with substance use disorders (SUDs). The workforce of peer recovery specialists (PRSs), individuals with lived substance use and recovery experience, has rapidly expanded in response to a shortage of access to substance use treatment, particularly for those from underserved communities. As PRSs are likely serving individuals disproportionately affected by the pandemic, it is important to understand how COVID-19 has affected the PRS role and the individuals with SUD who they are supporting.

Method

This study aimed to examine: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on the PRS role and experience, (2) the impact of COVID-19 on clients in or seeking SUD treatment, (3) facilitators for clients engaging in treatment and adapting to new changes, and (4) sustainability of new treatment methods post-pandemic.

Results

Findings suggest that PRSs have had to adapt their role and responsibilities to meet changing client needs; however, PRS strengths, such as their shared experience and expertise navigating treatment barriers, make them uniquely suited to assist clients during the pandemic. The study identified various barriers and facilitators to clients seeking treatment or living with SUD, such as the loss of interpersonal connection. PRSs also identified some drawbacks to utilizing telehealth, but identified this as a potentially sustainable approach to delivering care after the pandemic.

Conclusion

Future research could explore how challenges to fulfilling the PRS role, as well as adaptations to overcome these challenges, have changed over time.

Keywords

COVID-19
Peer recovery specialist
Substance use

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