A qualitative exploration of the potential role of using online social media support communities to increase initiation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

ABSTRACT

Objectives

This study sought to explore the potential role of peer-led online communities to increase use of medications for opioid use disorder.

Methods

From January through March 2020, participants with opioid use disorder and their family members/friends were recruited from paid Facebook ads; public health key stakeholders were recruited from referrals from the study team and opioid experts. Thirty participants from California were interviewed; 23 persons reporting opioid misuse, 3 family members/friends of persons misusing opioids, and 4 public health key stakeholders. We conducted semi-structured interviews asking about preferences, barriers to and facilitators of treatment options for opioid use disorder, and perspectives around the use of digital/online communities. The categories of participants interviewed were each asked slightly different questions depending upon their role.

Results

Results suggest that participants who misuse opioids: (1) may prefer to engage in online communities rather than in-person meetings to discuss their opioid use, (2) generally prefer to receive opioid-related information from other patients with opioid use disorder and/or those in recovery rather than from health providers or other individuals, and (3) thought that an online community could be beneficial for helping address their opioid use.

Conclusion

Results suggest an openness and interest in a peer-led online community to discuss opioid use and treatment among people who misuse opioids.

KEYWORDS:

• Opioid use disorder
• medication for opioid use disorder
• peer models
• social media
• digital tools

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the research participan, their famiies, and the key stakeholders for their participation in this research.

Disclosure statement

RG is the Founding Director of ElevateU, a digital health company funded to help substance use researchers and individuals with substance use disorders. SDY was a consultant on software buit by RG’s team. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the other authors.

Data availability statement

Due to the sensitive nature of the questions asked in this study, survey respondents were assured raw data would remain confidential and would not be shared.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) through the HEAL Initiative [R33 AT010606], the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID).