Peer work and recovery: a relationship approach

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to explore how recovery is facilitated by examining components of the relationship between peer workers and adults impacted by substance use disorder and incarceration. Semistructured, in-person interviews were conducted with two groups: 8 persons active in a substance use program and 4 peer workers. The participants were asked how the relationship impacted recovery and obtaining housing. A reflexive thematic analyses was conducted. The findings from the study indicate that long-term recovery may be supported with a relationship-based approach that connects individuals with a criminal justice background experiencing SUD to peer workers with lived experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Peer worker
• recovery
• relational
• housing support
• criminal justice

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgment to the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders, Palm Beach County Community Service Department that funded this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program; U.S. Department of Justice.