Mixed Method Literature Reviewon "Mixed methods prospective findings of the initial effects of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic on individuals in recovery from substance use disorder."

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT        12
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
Table of contents
Introduction    3
Quantitative Studies    3
Qualitative Studies    5
Mixed Methods Studies    7
Conclusion    10
References    14
Introduction
    People all across the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic, which has caused hitherto unheard-of disruptions to everyday life, healthcare systems, and economy. Although the epidemic has affected everyone, those who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) may be more susceptible to its harmful consequences. A complicated and persistent problem, substance use disorder needs continuing care and assistance. According to research, persons with SUD may be more likely to catch COVID-19 owing to their poor physical condition, and many may have had recovery attempts interrupted by the pandemic's social and economic effects. It is essential to comprehend how the COVID-19 pandemic affects people who are recovering from SUD in order to develop efficient plans for assisting their recovery efforts in emergency situations. A more thorough knowledge of the varying and complicated effects of the pandemic on those receiving SUD treatment can be obtained via the use of mixed-method study approaches. To give a more full picture of the topic being examined, this methodology integrates quantitative and qualitative research approaches. We will examine the potential results of the early effects of the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States on people who are recovering from drug use disorders in this mixed-method literature study. We will specifically look at the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research that looked at how the pandemic affected those receiving SUD treatment. This review seeks to give a thorough knowledge of the pandemic's impact on those receiving SUD treatment and suggest methods to aid their recovery during emergency situations.
Quantitative Studies
    Many quantitative investigations have looked at how the COVID-19 epidemic affects those who are recovering from drug use disorders. These research compared pre-pandemic and pandemic eras, measuring changes in the intensity of drug use, mental health symptoms, and treatment involvement through time. In one study, Huang et al. (2020) interviewed 177 people receiving SUD treatment in the US and discovered that the epidemic had a major detrimental effect on their mental health. Participants noted higher levels of stress, anxiety, and sadness during the epidemic than before. During the pandemic, individuals were less likely to attend in-person therapy sessions, which may have contributed to the increasing number of reported mental health issues.
    Similarly, a study by Becker and Fiellin, (2021) surveyed 273 individuals in SUD treatment in New York City and found that the pandemic had significant negative effects on their substance use and mental health. Participants reported increased substance use, cravings, and mental health symptoms during the pandemic compared to before. The study also found that participants reported difficulties accessing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during the pandemic, which may have contributed to the negative effects on their recovery journey.
    Using a sample of 20 people receiving SUD treatment in the United States, Bertholet et al. (2021) assessed changes in the intensity of drug use, mental health symptoms, and treatment involvement over the course of six months. According to the study, the pandemic had hampered individuals' efforts to recover, as seen by their reported six-month increases in the intensity of their drug use and mental health symptoms. Participants also mentioned having trouble getting therapy and attending online groups for recovery.
    These quantitative analyses collectively imply that Americans in recovery from drug use disorders have suffered significantly as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Participants described more severe substance use, mental health issues, accessing treatment challenges, and difficulty participating in virtual recovery sessions. Economic repercussions of the pandemic, including as job loss and financial stress, may increase its harmful impact on those with SUD. The rich and complicated experiences of people in recovery from drug use disorder throughout the epidemic cannot fully be captured by quantitative research. In order to give a more thorough knowledge of the diverse consequences of the pandemic on those receiving SUD treatment, mixed-method research are required.
Qualitative Studies
    Qualitative research has also been done to examine how the COVID-19 epidemic has affected people who are recovering from drug use disorders. Focus groups and open-ended interviews are used in these studies to get detailed information on participants' viewpoints and experiences. In a research published in 2020, Dhawan et al. investigated how the pandemic affected Vermont residents who were recovering from opioid use disorder. Semi-structured interviews with 18 individuals were employed in the study, and it was discovered that the pandemic had hampered their path to recovery. Participants reported increasing isolation, less social support, and problems obtaining in-person therapy and recovery sessions. Throughout the epidemic, individuals had also learned new coping mechanisms, like as greater self-reflection and mindfulness exercises, according to the research.
    Similarly, a study by Dubey et al. (2020) explored the experiences of 22 individuals in recovery from substance use disorder in New York City during the pandemic. The study used semi-structured interviews and found that the pandemic had disrupted participants' recovery journey and daily life. Participants reported increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as difficulties accessing treatment and support services. The study also found that participants had developed new coping strategies during the pandemic, such as increased communication with family and friends and engaging in self-care practices. Another study by Marsden et al. (2020) used focus groups to explore the experiences of individuals in recovery from substance use disorder in New York City during the pandemic. The study included 57 participants and found that the pandemic had disrupted their recovery journey and daily life. Participants reported increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as difficulties accessing treatment and support services. The study also found that participants had developed new coping strategies during the pandemic,...