Peer Recovery Provides Sustainable Avenues for Addiction Treatment, but Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Proposition

Abstract

A nonmedical use of neuroactive substances rises, and substance use treatment facilities hunt for ways to meet growing demand for treatment, many are investigating peer support as a way to augment their current treatment provisions. Peer support modalities are provided by individuals who draw from their personal experiences with recovery, rather than professional education and licensure. They help individualswith problems related to substance use disorders (SUDs), in place of or in combination with clinicians, therapists, and other professionals. Because of this, peer support can deliver treatment in a framework that is effective in low resource areas and has demonstrated ability to be integrated with numerous treatment models. However, the context of peer matching may be an important factor. This type of treatment for SUDs has a long history with a positive reputation, especially among mutual help organizations, as an effective way to help individuals in their recovery process.However, limited research has been specifically devoted to thismodality of treatment. As peer support is expanded into a variety of SUD treatment modalities, it is important that effective outcomes research is conducted to assure that effective best practice is established. Just because someone has lived experience does not mean that they are an appropriate peer for everyone that has trouble with substances. There are different types of peer recovery and the strength of the relationship between peer and patient must go beyond the common use of substances. TYPES OF PEER RECOVERY