Many people turn to online forums like Reddit to ask questions and seek support related to substance use and recovery. This study explored the types of substance use-related information and support individuals seek on Reddit with the goal of informing the tailoring of specific content for public health communication campaigns that address substance use and recovery.
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There has been growing use of online tools for health information seeking and support related to substance use, including search engines (e.g., Google), AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT), and social media platforms (e.g., Reddit). These anonymous, low-threshold options for exploring substance use behaviors and recovery-related questions may be appealing to help overcome stigma and other barriers to care. By allowing individuals to access information and support anonymously and at any time, these online spaces may hold promise for addressing unmet informational and emotional needs. This study sought to better understand the day-to-day questions and support needs expressed by individuals participating in alcohol, cannabis, and opioid-related communities on Reddit to characterize the types of informational and emotional support sought on this platform and the contexts in which these needs arise.
The researchers analyzed 189 Reddit posts initiating discussion threads between 2013 and 2019 that focused on alcohol, cannabis, or opioid use. These posts were drawn from a larger dataset of substance-related Reddit posts collected during this time period. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, the researchers narrowed the dataset to a small qualitative sample designed to capture diversity across substances and stigma-related experiences; as a result, the sample was not intended to be representative of all substance-related discussions on Reddit. Using qualitative content analysis, they identified and categorized the different types of informational and emotional needs expressed by individuals posting about substance use. Because this was a qualitative study designed to understand types of needs rather than how common they are, findings described patterns and themes rather than prevalence.
Several study design features shape how the findings should be interpreted. The analysis was limited to a relatively small number of posts from a single social media platform (Reddit), and the researchers did not have information about posters’ demographics, substance use histories, or recovery status. In addition, all posts were from before the COVID-19 pandemic and may not reflect more recent or emerging needs, including those related to changes in substance use patterns or the evolving legal and commercial landscape of cannabis. Finally, although multiple coders were involved in the qualitative content analysis and disagreements were resolved though discussion, the study did not calculate formal interrater agreement, which may introduce some subjectivity into how themes were identified.
Individuals commonly sought informational guidance on Reddit about how to quit or cut back on substance use and what to expect over time (see graphic at the bottom of this section for the 4 major themes). Informational needs reflected diverse recovery goals, including abstinence and harm reduction (e.g., moderation or temporary breaks from substance use). Specific questions focused on how to manage stress, cravings, and other recovery-related challenges, such as chronic pain. Some individuals sought ideas for alternative activities to relax or cope without relying on alcohol or other substances. Others asked for guidance on how to communicate about substance use or sobriety with family members, friends, or healthcare providers, while loved ones sought advice on how to raise concerns about a family member’s substance use in a supportive way. Here are some examples.
In addition to informational needs, some individuals used Reddit to seek emotional support. These posts sometimes reflected a desire for encouragement, affirmation, and reassurance, particularly following relapse or during difficult moments (e.g., intense cravings). Some individuals used the platform to create accountability by publicly stating goals or acknowledging setbacks, while others shared experiences primarily to process emotions without explicitly seeking advice. Here are some examples.
Needs were strongly shaped by context. Individuals’ questions and support-seeking behaviors reflected different contextual dimensions, including interpersonal relationships (e.g., strained relationships or limited social support), experiences or anticipation of stigma (e.g., fear of being judged by family members of healthcare providers), co-occurring mental health or physical health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, anxiety), and the immediacy of the situation (e.g., active cravings vs. longer-term planning). These contextual factors influenced not only what support people sought, but also when and how they sought it.
Consistent with prior research, findings from this study suggest that individuals dealing with substance use concerns turn to online platforms like Reddit for both informational support (e.g., how to manage cravings or communicate about substance use and sobriety) and emotional support (e.g., accountability, encouragement, and affirmation). Importantly, the types of support people sought varied depending on contextual factors such as interpersonal relationships (e.g., strained relationships), co-occurring mental or physical health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, anxiety), and whether needs were immediate (e.g., active cravings) or longer term. Together, these findings highlight the importance of support that is emotionally responsive, sensitive to individuals’ contexts, and available in the moment – features that are particularly relevant for public health messaging and recovery support efforts. Online recovery forums could potentially be leveraged to deliver recovery support in real time – for example, through automated identification of posts expressing acute need (e.g., cravings or relapse), paired with timely, supportive responses from trained recovery coaches or peers with lived experience. In these settings, recovery coaches or peers with lived experience could offer encouragement, help normalize experiences, and share information about available resources in ways that feel responsive and nonjudgmental.
People turn to online forums like Reddit for substance-use related help not only to obtain information, but also to seek validation, accountability, and support that fits their current situation and life context. Though not examined specifically in this study, thoughtfully designed efforts to identify and respond to these expressed needs on online platforms in real-time – by sharing accurate, tailored, and evidence-based information and resources – may hold promise for reaching people with timely support and complementing efforts to reduce the public health burden of substance use disorder.
Choi, B., Wang, L. C., Kang, R. A., Ho, I. Y., Johnny, S., Chaliparambil, R., & Chen, A. T. (2025). What should I do?: Information and support needs relating to substance use on Reddit. Substance Use & Misuse, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2025.2588322.
l
There has been growing use of online tools for health information seeking and support related to substance use, including search engines (e.g., Google), AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT), and social media platforms (e.g., Reddit). These anonymous, low-threshold options for exploring substance use behaviors and recovery-related questions may be appealing to help overcome stigma and other barriers to care. By allowing individuals to access information and support anonymously and at any time, these online spaces may hold promise for addressing unmet informational and emotional needs. This study sought to better understand the day-to-day questions and support needs expressed by individuals participating in alcohol, cannabis, and opioid-related communities on Reddit to characterize the types of informational and emotional support sought on this platform and the contexts in which these needs arise.
The researchers analyzed 189 Reddit posts initiating discussion threads between 2013 and 2019 that focused on alcohol, cannabis, or opioid use. These posts were drawn from a larger dataset of substance-related Reddit posts collected during this time period. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, the researchers narrowed the dataset to a small qualitative sample designed to capture diversity across substances and stigma-related experiences; as a result, the sample was not intended to be representative of all substance-related discussions on Reddit. Using qualitative content analysis, they identified and categorized the different types of informational and emotional needs expressed by individuals posting about substance use. Because this was a qualitative study designed to understand types of needs rather than how common they are, findings described patterns and themes rather than prevalence.
Several study design features shape how the findings should be interpreted. The analysis was limited to a relatively small number of posts from a single social media platform (Reddit), and the researchers did not have information about posters’ demographics, substance use histories, or recovery status. In addition, all posts were from before the COVID-19 pandemic and may not reflect more recent or emerging needs, including those related to changes in substance use patterns or the evolving legal and commercial landscape of cannabis. Finally, although multiple coders were involved in the qualitative content analysis and disagreements were resolved though discussion, the study did not calculate formal interrater agreement, which may introduce some subjectivity into how themes were identified.
Individuals commonly sought informational guidance on Reddit about how to quit or cut back on substance use and what to expect over time (see graphic at the bottom of this section for the 4 major themes). Informational needs reflected diverse recovery goals, including abstinence and harm reduction (e.g., moderation or temporary breaks from substance use). Specific questions focused on how to manage stress, cravings, and other recovery-related challenges, such as chronic pain. Some individuals sought ideas for alternative activities to relax or cope without relying on alcohol or other substances. Others asked for guidance on how to communicate about substance use or sobriety with family members, friends, or healthcare providers, while loved ones sought advice on how to raise concerns about a family member’s substance use in a supportive way. Here are some examples.
In addition to informational needs, some individuals used Reddit to seek emotional support. These posts sometimes reflected a desire for encouragement, affirmation, and reassurance, particularly following relapse or during difficult moments (e.g., intense cravings). Some individuals used the platform to create accountability by publicly stating goals or acknowledging setbacks, while others shared experiences primarily to process emotions without explicitly seeking advice. Here are some examples.
Needs were strongly shaped by context. Individuals’ questions and support-seeking behaviors reflected different contextual dimensions, including interpersonal relationships (e.g., strained relationships or limited social support), experiences or anticipation of stigma (e.g., fear of being judged by family members of healthcare providers), co-occurring mental health or physical health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, anxiety), and the immediacy of the situation (e.g., active cravings vs. longer-term planning). These contextual factors influenced not only what support people sought, but also when and how they sought it.
Consistent with prior research, findings from this study suggest that individuals dealing with substance use concerns turn to online platforms like Reddit for both informational support (e.g., how to manage cravings or communicate about substance use and sobriety) and emotional support (e.g., accountability, encouragement, and affirmation). Importantly, the types of support people sought varied depending on contextual factors such as interpersonal relationships (e.g., strained relationships), co-occurring mental or physical health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, anxiety), and whether needs were immediate (e.g., active cravings) or longer term. Together, these findings highlight the importance of support that is emotionally responsive, sensitive to individuals’ contexts, and available in the moment – features that are particularly relevant for public health messaging and recovery support efforts. Online recovery forums could potentially be leveraged to deliver recovery support in real time – for example, through automated identification of posts expressing acute need (e.g., cravings or relapse), paired with timely, supportive responses from trained recovery coaches or peers with lived experience. In these settings, recovery coaches or peers with lived experience could offer encouragement, help normalize experiences, and share information about available resources in ways that feel responsive and nonjudgmental.
People turn to online forums like Reddit for substance-use related help not only to obtain information, but also to seek validation, accountability, and support that fits their current situation and life context. Though not examined specifically in this study, thoughtfully designed efforts to identify and respond to these expressed needs on online platforms in real-time – by sharing accurate, tailored, and evidence-based information and resources – may hold promise for reaching people with timely support and complementing efforts to reduce the public health burden of substance use disorder.
Choi, B., Wang, L. C., Kang, R. A., Ho, I. Y., Johnny, S., Chaliparambil, R., & Chen, A. T. (2025). What should I do?: Information and support needs relating to substance use on Reddit. Substance Use & Misuse, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2025.2588322.
l
There has been growing use of online tools for health information seeking and support related to substance use, including search engines (e.g., Google), AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT), and social media platforms (e.g., Reddit). These anonymous, low-threshold options for exploring substance use behaviors and recovery-related questions may be appealing to help overcome stigma and other barriers to care. By allowing individuals to access information and support anonymously and at any time, these online spaces may hold promise for addressing unmet informational and emotional needs. This study sought to better understand the day-to-day questions and support needs expressed by individuals participating in alcohol, cannabis, and opioid-related communities on Reddit to characterize the types of informational and emotional support sought on this platform and the contexts in which these needs arise.
The researchers analyzed 189 Reddit posts initiating discussion threads between 2013 and 2019 that focused on alcohol, cannabis, or opioid use. These posts were drawn from a larger dataset of substance-related Reddit posts collected during this time period. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, the researchers narrowed the dataset to a small qualitative sample designed to capture diversity across substances and stigma-related experiences; as a result, the sample was not intended to be representative of all substance-related discussions on Reddit. Using qualitative content analysis, they identified and categorized the different types of informational and emotional needs expressed by individuals posting about substance use. Because this was a qualitative study designed to understand types of needs rather than how common they are, findings described patterns and themes rather than prevalence.
Several study design features shape how the findings should be interpreted. The analysis was limited to a relatively small number of posts from a single social media platform (Reddit), and the researchers did not have information about posters’ demographics, substance use histories, or recovery status. In addition, all posts were from before the COVID-19 pandemic and may not reflect more recent or emerging needs, including those related to changes in substance use patterns or the evolving legal and commercial landscape of cannabis. Finally, although multiple coders were involved in the qualitative content analysis and disagreements were resolved though discussion, the study did not calculate formal interrater agreement, which may introduce some subjectivity into how themes were identified.
Individuals commonly sought informational guidance on Reddit about how to quit or cut back on substance use and what to expect over time (see graphic at the bottom of this section for the 4 major themes). Informational needs reflected diverse recovery goals, including abstinence and harm reduction (e.g., moderation or temporary breaks from substance use). Specific questions focused on how to manage stress, cravings, and other recovery-related challenges, such as chronic pain. Some individuals sought ideas for alternative activities to relax or cope without relying on alcohol or other substances. Others asked for guidance on how to communicate about substance use or sobriety with family members, friends, or healthcare providers, while loved ones sought advice on how to raise concerns about a family member’s substance use in a supportive way. Here are some examples.
In addition to informational needs, some individuals used Reddit to seek emotional support. These posts sometimes reflected a desire for encouragement, affirmation, and reassurance, particularly following relapse or during difficult moments (e.g., intense cravings). Some individuals used the platform to create accountability by publicly stating goals or acknowledging setbacks, while others shared experiences primarily to process emotions without explicitly seeking advice. Here are some examples.
Needs were strongly shaped by context. Individuals’ questions and support-seeking behaviors reflected different contextual dimensions, including interpersonal relationships (e.g., strained relationships or limited social support), experiences or anticipation of stigma (e.g., fear of being judged by family members of healthcare providers), co-occurring mental health or physical health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, anxiety), and the immediacy of the situation (e.g., active cravings vs. longer-term planning). These contextual factors influenced not only what support people sought, but also when and how they sought it.
Consistent with prior research, findings from this study suggest that individuals dealing with substance use concerns turn to online platforms like Reddit for both informational support (e.g., how to manage cravings or communicate about substance use and sobriety) and emotional support (e.g., accountability, encouragement, and affirmation). Importantly, the types of support people sought varied depending on contextual factors such as interpersonal relationships (e.g., strained relationships), co-occurring mental or physical health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, anxiety), and whether needs were immediate (e.g., active cravings) or longer term. Together, these findings highlight the importance of support that is emotionally responsive, sensitive to individuals’ contexts, and available in the moment – features that are particularly relevant for public health messaging and recovery support efforts. Online recovery forums could potentially be leveraged to deliver recovery support in real time – for example, through automated identification of posts expressing acute need (e.g., cravings or relapse), paired with timely, supportive responses from trained recovery coaches or peers with lived experience. In these settings, recovery coaches or peers with lived experience could offer encouragement, help normalize experiences, and share information about available resources in ways that feel responsive and nonjudgmental.
People turn to online forums like Reddit for substance-use related help not only to obtain information, but also to seek validation, accountability, and support that fits their current situation and life context. Though not examined specifically in this study, thoughtfully designed efforts to identify and respond to these expressed needs on online platforms in real-time – by sharing accurate, tailored, and evidence-based information and resources – may hold promise for reaching people with timely support and complementing efforts to reduce the public health burden of substance use disorder.
Choi, B., Wang, L. C., Kang, R. A., Ho, I. Y., Johnny, S., Chaliparambil, R., & Chen, A. T. (2025). What should I do?: Information and support needs relating to substance use on Reddit. Substance Use & Misuse, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2025.2588322.
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