COVID-19

U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO) "Behavioral Health: Patient Access, Provider Claims Payment, and the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic"

Published by
U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO)
Publication Date
Source: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-437r.pdf

 

Fast Facts

How has the need for and availability of services for mental health and substance use disorders changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

 

Evidence suggests these conditions increased while access to care decreased.

Virtual Twelve Step Meeting Attendance During the COVID-19 Period A Study of Members of Narcotics Anonymous

Galanter, Marc MD; White, William L. MA; Hunter, Brooke MS Virtual Twelve Step Meeting Attendance During the COVID-19 Period, Journal of Addiction Medicine: April 15, 2021 - Volume Publish Ahead of Print - Issue - doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000852

Abstract

Objectives: 

Face-to-face meetings are key components of Twelve Step (TS) fellowships’ support of members’ abstinence. Home confinement during COVID-19 made this less feasible. Our objective was to ascertain whether a transition to virtual online meetings among TS members took place, and whether it was potentially effective.

Surge in Overdose Deaths During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Over 87,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses over a 12 month period ending in September 2020. Without question, there is a link between the increased numbers of people dying from drug overdoses and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear, stress, job loss, enforced restrictions and closure to vital support services are some of the factors researchers are exploring when examining the impact COVID-19 has had on drug overdoses. This New York Times article provides an overview