Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The opioid crisis is a significant public health concern. Online social networking platforms allow individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to connect with others with shared experiences, which may combat treatment barriers. This study explored the self-reported advantages and disadvantages of engaging with social media content related to opioid misuse. METHODS: Participants who reported ever misusing opioids (n = 248) were recruited from opioid-related forums on Reddit. Qualitative analysis identified themes in open-ended survey responses regarding perceived advantages, disadvantages, and impacts of online networking about opioid misuse. Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare qualitative themes mentioned by participants with their quantitative survey responses regarding treatment interest, perceived social support, and OUD symptom severity. RESULTS: Advantages to socially networking about opioid misuse reported included connecting with others (69.5%), seeking advice (31.7%), and reduced fears of stigma/judgment (11.8%). Disadvantages reported included fear of being monitored (31.5%), receiving judgment/negative comments (28.6%), and viewing triggering content (12.9%). Mixed method analyses indicated that those who mentioned privacy of online communities as an advantage were less likely to report interest in treatment (p = 0.02). Those who reported having a non-judgmental community/outlet as an advantage were more likely to report higher levels of opioid dependence in the past 30 days (p = 0.03). DISCUSSION: Online networking about opioid misuse has both advantages and disadvantages, and these perceived impacts vary by an individual's readiness for recovery and/or treatment. The findings of this study have implications for research and practice involving development of non-stigmatizing forms of assessment and support including harm reduction strategies.