Lessons learned from a peer support program for individuals seeking substance use recovery

Abstract Peer navigation is a model that includes connecting an individual in need of services with a peer who can navigate engagement in clinical treatment services and provide emotional and logistical support that is often unavailable through the traditional system. In the substance use field—where the use of peers is a relatively new phenomenon—peers are individuals with lived experiences who are in recovery themselves. In 2016, a peer program called RECOVERY was implemented in a northeastern U.S. state. This team of peers act as a bridge between a referral source (e.g., police, emergency services, hospital) and treatment facilities. Using semi-structured interviews from the team of peers (N = 5), this paper provides a case study of the implementation process for this peer recovery program. The findings identify potential barriers and facilitators to peer services and offer a feasible approach for implementing peer support programs in substance use settings.