Persons with Substance Abuse Disorders and Other Addictions: Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cuba implemented policies mandating social distancing on March 11, 2020, which were still in place at the time of this study. During such periods isolation, people with psychoactive substance-related dis­orders and other addictions may be tempted to reduce tension, stress, uncertainty possible distress by increasing use substances or practices they have abused. This can mean relapses setbacks for patients undergoing treatment. A multidisciplinary team health professionals specializing addiction Center Academic Development Drug Addiction, Havana, Cuba, cares these disorders followed their evolution during initial peri­od COVID-19 isolation. With aim characterizing strategies employed under­going treatment substance abuse addictions, we conducted a qualitative study from April 2020 through May using conve­nience sample 37 (all students) who had been progressing towards recovery addictive behaviors when face-to-face encoun­ters suspended due restrictions. Contact was maintained information communication technologies. The research used telepsychology focused understanding patient life experiences. Patients interviewed semi-structured survey, then transcribed coded thematically grounded-theory approach. We found that patients’ ability cope successfully challenges presented influenced by: 1) individual’s own methods maintaining self-control (commitment studies, projects, work therapists) aided them goals concerning abstinence; 2) difficulties faced addressing speci.c events situ­ations (doubts, uncertainties, disagreements, isolation use); 3) perpetuation revivification myths related activities (exacerbation supposed benefits tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, overuse networks); 4) tendencies toward irrationality lack emotional control (fear, sadness, anger, constant worry self-imposed demands). Our findings suggest despite potential negative psychological impact preventive pandemic, individual coping mechanisms developed patients, aiming improved self-control, allowed most avoid could affected recovery. Nevertheless, compounded specific situ­ations, activities, ten­dencies control.