Online peer support for concurring mental health and addiction problems during the Covid19 pandemic: feeling of group inclusion and perceived effectiveness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging for individuals with concurrent mental health and addiction problems. Like other mutual aid groups, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) was forced to move online. This study explored: a) attendees’ feeling of inclusion of online meetings vs face to face ones; b) perceived effectiveness, strengths, and limitations of these meetings within the context of the pandemic.

A total of 92 DDA members from the US and UK completed an online survey, which included quantitative scales and open questions. Feelings of inclusion were assessed using an adaptation of the Work Group Inclusion Test. An interview was conducted with a DDA facilitator. The quantitative data were statistically anslyised using SPSS, open survey questions and the interview were independently thematically analysed by two investigators.

Attendance of meetings significantly increased after the introduction of online meetings (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference regarding feelings of inclusion in online versus in-person meetings. Approximately half of the participants (51%) indicated that DDA online support was the most helpful form of support they received during lockdown; 99% of participants agreed that online support should continue after the lockdown. The two principal reasons for non-participation were inability to access technology and paranoia. In the qualitative interview, the facilitator reported that those who did not participate in online meetings experienced an overall deterioration in mental wellbeing, as well as an increase in the feeling of isolation during the lockdown period.

Online meetings allowed DDA to go global and provided support to people with complex needs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants experienced a continuity of inclusion and accessibility due to the online provision. It is suggested that going forward, online support should continue alongside traditional face to face meetings due to its potential to increase convenience, accessibility, and inclusivity.