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

Original research
by
Anvari, Morgan S. et al

Release Date

2021

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

As Peer Recovery Specialists 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.

Findings/Key points

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.

Keywords

About PWUD
Social services
Peer/PWLLE program involvement
Digital health