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Article
Understanding Alcohol and Marijuana Use among Sexual Minority Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Journal of Homosexuality
  • Lauren A. Bochicchio, Columbia University
  • Laurie A. Drabble, San Jose State University
  • Ellen D.B. Riggle, University of Kentucky
  • Cat Munroe, Public Health Institute Oakland
  • Angie R. Wootton, University of California, Berkeley
  • Tonda L. Hughes, Columbia University
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1080/00918369.2020.1868187
Abstract

Sexual minority women (SMW; e.g., lesbian, bisexual, queer) are at increased risk for heavy/hazardous drinking and marijuana use, which may be exacerbated by stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate its spread (e.g., sheltering at home). To explore their experiences and perceptions of alcohol and marijuana use in the context of COVID-19, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 16 SMW from a longitudinal study who previously reported being at least moderate drinkers to explore their experiences and perceptions of alcohol and marijuana use during the pandemic. We used descriptive phenomenological analysis to explore data from the interviews. Participants described how their alcohol/marijuana use intersected with the complex and changing context of the pandemic, revealing four themes: 1) losing and creating routine; 2) seeking recreation and relief; 3) connecting, reconnecting, and disconnecting; and 4) monitoring alcohol and marijuana use boundaries. Findings highlight the importance of fostering community supports and possible interventions informed by the experiences of SMW.

Funding Number
R01 AA013328-13
Funding Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Keywords
  • alcohol use,
  • Covid-19,
  • hazardous drinking,
  • marijuana use,
  • Sexual minority women
Citation Information
Lauren A. Bochicchio, Laurie A. Drabble, Ellen D.B. Riggle, Cat Munroe, et al.. "Understanding Alcohol and Marijuana Use among Sexual Minority Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study" Journal of Homosexuality Vol. 68 Iss. 4 (2021) p. 631 - 646
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/laurie_drabble/125/