Peer Support and Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Benefits and Barriers for Intra-Personal Development in Longer-Term Treatment Programs

ABSTRACT This qualitative research explores the dynamic roles of peer support in substance use disorder treatment. Interviews were conducted with 41 participants across three long term residential substance use disorder treatment programs in the Greater Toronto Area. Findings indicate four key themes of peer support: 1) Learning opportunities (that provide perspectives of oneself, perspectives of progress, and perspectives of positive social interactions); 2) Treatment opportunities from shared experiences (which help to create trust, provide a common understanding, and alignment based on shared experiences); and 3) Mutual support (which helps to prevent isolation, acts as an informal component of intervention, and supports reassurance and ongoing feedback). Together, the findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific nuances of peer support in longer term substance use disorder treatment centers.