“A little bit of hope goes a long way”: Exploring the role of peer workers in alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services

Abstract

IntroductionPeer workers operating within health care settings can offer unique perspectives based on their own lived experience. Within alcohol and other drug (AOD) rehabilitation services, the potential value of peer work is becoming increasingly recognised. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate a newly implemented peer worker program located across three rehabilitation services in Tasmania, Australia. MethodsOnline interviews were conducted with eight clients, seven peer workers, and five non-peer worker employees with varied experience with peer worker programs. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. ResultsGuided by an overarching exploratory-descriptive methodological framework, thematic analysis generated three overarching themes: 1) Enhancing and supporting client experiences (what peer workers did in their role to improve client experiences, 2) Changing experiences with AOD rehabilitation (the unique benefits and changes that peer work brings to AOD rehabilitation services) and 3) Finding organizational value (how defining peer work and the feasibility of the peer worker role was challenged by different organizational factors). Overall, peer work was viewed as a positive addition to all rehabilitation services that was able to enhance client experiences through various mechanisms, such as by sharing their own stories, assisting with understanding, and creating safety. Peer work was also able to create change in AOD services, by instilling hope and reducing stigma. However, ongoing challenges with defining the peer worker role in a way that offers organizational recognition and financial security remain. ConclusionPeer workers offer a unique and valuable perspective when working within rehabilitation services. Through their own lived experience peer workers were able to support clients and assist them in their recovery. These findings highlight the potential benefit of peer work programs within AOD rehabilitation services.