SOCIAL CONNECTION AND RECOVERY FROM ALCOHOL USE DISORDER DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: QUALITATIVE FINDINGS FROM A US NATIONAL SAMPL

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Social support is critically important to recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, community and government social restrictions and mandates reduced inperson contact and increased social isolation, heightening the risk of relapse for many persons in recovery. A key question concerns what forms and sources of social connection and support were important for maintaining recovery during the pandemic. Methods: This study used a large, pre-existing, national cohort, Knowledge Panel, to recruit participants with resolved AUD for an online survey. The sample consisted of 1,492 adults, 71% of whom had been in recovery more than 5 years. In addition to close-ended questions on COVID-19 stressors and coping responses, an open-ended question asked participants what was most helpful in sustaining their recovery during the pandemic. A qualitative codebook was created, and iterative coding was conducted by multiple analysts using Dedoose, followed by preliminary analysis of themes from codes on COVID-19 restrictions and sources of social connection and support. Results: Participants commonly referenced talking to, staying in touch with, and/or spending time with family members, including children (latter mentioned more commonly by women) as helpful in maintaining recovery. Participants also highlighted support and encouragement from family. Communication and interaction with friends were also integral to recovery maintenance. Support, care, and contact from and towards others in their networks, including those in recovery, were also cited. Many participants continued to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and other mutual support groups throughout the pandemic. When in-person gatherings were not possible, participants sustained social connections through various forms of telecommunication. Unexpectedly, some participants characterized the lack of social interactions during COVID-19 as beneficial to their continued recovery, as it removed opportunities and temptations to drink with others. Conclusions: Despite profound disruption to social routines during the pandemic, many individuals in recovery experienced helpful social connections and support that were important to maintaining recovery. For some, social restrictions were perceived as beneficial and limiting opportunities for relapse. These findings underscore the importance of social support and networks in long-term recovery, warranting further investigation into the dynamics of support systems conducive to recovery maintenance.