2021 AM Posters-Statewide Services for Opioid Use Disorder during the Pandemic

Statewide Services for Opioid Use Disorder during the Pandemic - 1

Pdf Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on mental health and substance use disorders, particularly for individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD). LSUHSC, as part of the Louisiana State Opioid Response (LaSOR) program, has been providing statewide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and recovery services for OUD patients. The pandemic has worsened the opioid epidemic, with socioeconomic losses and social isolation contributing to the problem. Inequities are apparent, with people of color being more likely to be impacted. LSUHSC has implemented a harm reduction model to enhance and expand MAT treatment statewide, providing services remotely to ensure access to quality care.<br /><br />The objectives of the program are to meet the diverse needs of OUD clients throughout the state, especially in rural areas where travel for services is often necessary and some clinicians may not believe in MAT. Clinicians are educated on the harm reduction model and SAMHSA guidelines for evaluation and treatment. Services have been provided remotely during the pandemic, even if clients are inconsistent in following advice or experience temporary relapse.<br /><br />A study conducted as part of the LaSOR Project found that during the pandemic, 29% of participants reported an increase in alcohol or other drug use, and 26% reported a relapse. Depression and anxiety were elevated before and during the pandemic. Younger clients expressed more COVID-19 concerns, substance use increases, and relapse. Younger participants also reported more reduction in household income and work compared to older participants.<br /><br />Participants who entered treatment before the pandemic had higher depression and anxiety scores initially but reported a greater reduction of these symptoms at follow-up visits compared to those who entered treatment during the pandemic. Higher adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were related to higher scores of depression and anxiety. High-ACE participants also reported higher rates of illness and death among close friends and relatives due to COVID-19, as well as more income and employment loss.<br /><br />In conclusion, LSUHSC has successfully provided statewide OUD services remotely during the pandemic. The study highlights the impact of COVID-19 concerns on mental health, increased substance use, and relapse, with younger clients being particularly affected. Adverse childhood experiences are also associated with concerns about the pandemic and its effects. Addressing inequities in service utilization is crucial moving forward.

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic

mental health

substance use disorders

opioid use disorders

LSUHSC

medication-assisted treatment

harm reduction model

SAMHSA guidelines

remote services

adverse childhood experiences

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