Addiction in the time of COVID-19: Longitudinal course of substance use, psychological distress, and loneliness among a transnational Tyrolean sample with substance use disorders

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.918465
• Publication Date: 2022-07-25T05:35:11Z
• Authors: Kilian Lommer; Timo Schurr; Beatrice Frajo-Apor; Barbara Plattner; Anna Chernova; Andreas Conca; Martin Fronthaler; Christian Haring; Bernhard Holzner; Christian Macina; Josef Marksteiner; Carl Miller; Silvia Pardeller; Verena Perwanger; Roger Pycha; Martin Schmidt; Barbara Sperner-U...; Franziska Tutzer; Alex Hofer
• Keywords: Sample (material); Substance dependence; Psychological Distress; Longitudinal Study; Substance misuse

Next to an increased use of alcohol, the current pandemic has been associated with psychological distress among general population. Research on its effects individuals suffering from substance disorders (SUD) is scarce. This study aimed at expanding existing literature this topic a focus impact loneliness and perceived social support.Sixty-eight people diagnosed SUD according ICD-10 Austrian state Tyrol Italian Province South who had treated in psychiatric hospital 2019 one hundred thirty-six matched reference subjects same regional background participated online survey. Sociodemographic variables scores Brief Symptom Checklist, Three-Item Loneliness Scale, Multidimensional Scale Perceived Social Support were collected baseline 5 months thereafter. Baseline took place after first wave, while follow-up largely coincided second wave pandemic.Among both patients group, as means feel better facing rose predicted higher levels distress. Patients less likely receive specific care than presented significantly prevalence clinically relevant group assessment times. Among groups, burden remained unchanged over time. support was generally patients. and, lesser degree, low distress.These findings emphasize need preventive educational measures regarding behavior for those without mental health disorders.