Yizhe Bai
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Carol Lee
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Psychiatry / Medicine
Program: UROP
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Authors: Yizhe Bai, Genesis Flores
Abstract
Throughout the pandemic, individuals in low-income communities, often people of color, experienced heightened hardships compared to their typically white, affluent counterparts. Research findings identified individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), particularly those with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and African Americans, as having increased risk for COVID-19 and its adverse outcomes. However, the challenges faced by minority youth with SUD in marginalized communities during the pandemic remain understudied. This project aimed to investigate the influence of barriers in addiction recovery on regular life patterns and the recovery process, while concurrently examining the role of COVID-19 in shaping life patterns and its effects on addiction recovery, considering both risk and protective factors. We analyzed codes related to general barriers in addiction recovery and the effects of COVID-19 on addiction recovery, including both risk and protective factors. For this study, 20 young adult minority participants (ages 18-28) recovering from SUD in New Jersey were interviewed about their experiences during the pandemic. Employing open coding and qualitative analysis techniques, we thoroughly investigated the data gathered from 20 interview transcripts. Through this systematic process, we identified emerging themes and patterns, providing valuable insights into the phenomenon under investigation. The qualitative analysis results showed that due to the social mandates imposed by COVID-19 and the decrease in SUD resource centers, many participants’ mental health declined. Consequently, there was a general trend in which most participants’ substance abuse increased. The outcome offers a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in addiction recovery and highlights the intricate effects of COVID-19 on the recovery process. This knowledge can inform policymakers and practitioners in designing targeted interventions and resources to better address the needs of individuals overcoming addiction. Overall, the research provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by young adult minorities with SUD and the impact of COVID-19 on addiction recovery, ultimately paving the way for more effective interventions and support programs.
