How individuals seeking help for substance use disorder adjusted to virtual 12-step meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: Technology-based online support services are emerging as a resource for people recovering from substance abuse. This study presents findings on how individuals seeking help for a substance use disorder through 12-step fellowship meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) adjusted to virtual rather than in-person meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOCD: Fifty individuals (50) were interviewed, recruited primarily from 12-step meetings in three locations in a rural New England state in the United States. Subjects were asked about whether they had attended virtual meetings during the pandemic, how online meetings compare to in-person meetings, and if they encountered any obstacles when attending virtual meetings (e.g., Internet connectivity). RESULTS: More individuals preferred in-person meetings for a variety of reasons, although many participants were willing to give virtual meetings a try. Some participants continued to attend virtual meetings, even after in-person meetings returned. Positives of virtual recovery meetings included convenience and the fact that they could be accessed from anywhere. Internet connectivity and technical difficulties presented a challenge for some. Some individuals were unable to focus in virtual meetings and got easily distracted. CONCLUSION: Digital recovery support services should continue to be offered as some recovering individuals find them helpful. Virtual meetings are a resource, particularly for those individuals living in rural areas without many in-person resources readily available, or access to adequate transportation. Treatment providers working in rural states may consider advocating to policymakers for quality Internet services (e.g., high-speed broadband access), to sufficiently meet residents’ treatment and other healthcare needs.