TY - JOUR
T1 - “It’s Also Pushed People to a New Level of Desperation:” COVID-19 Impacts on Experiences of Persons Who Use Illicit Opioids
AU - Sweeney, Kaylin
AU - Daniulaityte, Raminta
AU - Mendoza, Natasha
AU - Ki, Seol
AU - Doebbeling, Bradley
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - The purpose of this qualitative study is to characterize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on drug use experiences among persons who use illicit opioids (PWUO) in Arizona. Between 12/2020 and 05/2021, interviews were conducted via Zoom with 22 PWUO from across Arizona. Participants were recruited through Craigslist and social media ads, referrals by a local harm reduction organization, and other participants. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo. Participants were 25–51 years of age, 36% were female, and 55% non-Hispanic White. Most reported past month use of heroin, and/or counterfeit (pressed) non-pharmaceutical fentanyl (NPF) pills. Nearly all reported changes in their drug use during the pandemic. Participants discussed profound negative impacts of social isolation with escalating mental health problems, boredom, and ease of hiding drug use from others, leading to increases in drug use. Loss of daily routines, employment difficulties, and challenges of accessing treatment due to COVID-19 restrictions were also driving factors for increased drug use. The growing availability of NPF pills during the pandemic led many individuals to transition from heroin to more frequent NPF pill use. The results emphasize the need for quality behavioral care services with an increased focus on economic and social support systems.
AB - The purpose of this qualitative study is to characterize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on drug use experiences among persons who use illicit opioids (PWUO) in Arizona. Between 12/2020 and 05/2021, interviews were conducted via Zoom with 22 PWUO from across Arizona. Participants were recruited through Craigslist and social media ads, referrals by a local harm reduction organization, and other participants. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo. Participants were 25–51 years of age, 36% were female, and 55% non-Hispanic White. Most reported past month use of heroin, and/or counterfeit (pressed) non-pharmaceutical fentanyl (NPF) pills. Nearly all reported changes in their drug use during the pandemic. Participants discussed profound negative impacts of social isolation with escalating mental health problems, boredom, and ease of hiding drug use from others, leading to increases in drug use. Loss of daily routines, employment difficulties, and challenges of accessing treatment due to COVID-19 restrictions were also driving factors for increased drug use. The growing availability of NPF pills during the pandemic led many individuals to transition from heroin to more frequent NPF pill use. The results emphasize the need for quality behavioral care services with an increased focus on economic and social support systems.
KW - COVID-19
KW - Opioid use disorder
KW - fentanyl
KW - heroin
KW - qualitative research
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U2 - 10.1080/02791072.2022.2160391
DO - 10.1080/02791072.2022.2160391
M3 - Article
C2 - 36548869
AN - SCOPUS:85145083375
SN - 0279-1072
VL - 56
SP - 127
EP - 134
JO - Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
JF - Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
IS - 1
ER -