Something does not add up: Rethinking how we compensate for research participation among people who use drugs

In this commentary, we draw upon the care ethics framework to discuss why and how substance use researchers should re-evaluate traditional best practices for participant compensation. We encourage researchers to have conversations with community partners and potential participants alike on how compensation can convey appreciation, whether the participants have a need for the specific type of compensation, and if participants are able to capably and conveniently use it. When planned poorly, compensation can cause harm to participants and communities and undermine research efforts. Three case examples are provided to illustrate these points. Lastly, we urge researchers to update their respective institutions about barriers to equitable compensation that may be embedded within the research infrastructure. Overall, compensation has the potential to strengthen collaborations between researchers and community members and provide a strong foundation for rigorous and impactful substance use recovery research.