What type of study is this?

This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

December 5, 2025Open Access

Changes to Personal Social Media Accounts and Use Among Those With Substance Use Disorder Who Are Currently in Treatment: A Cross-sectional Survey

CPChanda PhelanRutgers, The State University of New Jersey AKAndrea C. KatzVA Puget Sound Health Care System JMJennifer E. MerrillJohn Brown University

Key Points

62% of adults in substance use disorder treatment reduced or stopped using social media to avoid triggers.
Logistic regression analysis identified specific factors associated with attempts to change social media habits.
Participants reported on their demographics, SUD histories, and social media usage during the cross-sectional survey.
Highlights the need for digital environments to support treatment goals while managing substance-related exposure.

Abstract

Objectives This study examined changes in social media use among adults with past-year treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) in New England, focusing on the prevalence of such changes, reasons for modifying social media habits, perceived success, and factors associated with attempts to change social media use. Methods: Participants N = 255; 45% female, 85% white, mean age = 41.4 (9.6) recently treated for SUD completed an online survey. The survey gathered demographics, SUD histories, and social media use data. We report descriptive statistics and logistic regression models testing relationships between attempts to change social media use while in treatment and individual factors. Results: Overall, 62% of respondents reduced or stopped social media use during SUD treatment. A substantial minority (34%) viewed their attempts as unsuccessful or neutral. Logistic regressions indicated that having alcohol as one’s drug of choice and having previously sought drugs on social media were both positively associated with attempting to reduce or quit social media. People who reported being motivated to avoid social media to reduce drug/alcohol triggers also reported being more successful in changing their social media use. Conclusions: Many individuals in SUD treatment actively limit social media to reduce exposure to substance-related triggers, yet success varies. Future research should explore how digital environments might be reshaped to support treatment goals, balancing the risk of exposure to substance use content with the potential benefits of online resources.

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