Harm reduction in the context of social distancing

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):
Accepting Trainees?

No

The devastating impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic is expected to have impacts on young adults’ mental health and substance use (a population already at high risk).  Time is of the essence to provide young adults evidence-based information to reduce risk from alcohol use within the context of COVID-19 epidemic, promote continuation of social distancing while also encouraging pro-social behavior to reduce isolation, and skills to reduce coping- or socially-motivated alcohol use and associated negative consequences. This project aims to develop and examine feasibility and acceptability of a time-sensitive COVID-19-specific personalized normative feedback intervention disseminated via social media that focuses on drinking motivations to cope with distress and/or to enhance social connectedness, as well as to promote engagement in strategies for stress management and increase engagement in social, alcohol-free activities while also practicing social distancing. 


Project Period:
May 1, 2020 May 1, 2021

Funding Type(s):
Internal

Funder(s):
UW Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

Geographic Area(s):
Washington

Practice Type(s):
Online/remote/apps/social media

Patient Population(s):
Young Adults

Targeted Condition(s):
General Mental Well-Being, Substance use disorders/misuse