By helping others we help ourselves: insights from peer support workers in substance use recovery

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives Peer support is built upon the premise that shared life experiences benefits both the helper and the receiver. This relationship has been linked to an increase in practical knowledge of addiction and recovery, empowerment, hope, and community connectedness. Much research on peer support is geared toward the effectiveness of the intervention for the consumer. Less is known about the role of this relationship in the recovery of the workers themselves. Method This qualitative study explored the experience of recovery in substance use peer support workers using in-depth semi-structured interviews of 10 individuals who were employed as peer support workers in community-based roles. Thematic analysis was used to investigate the peer workers experience in the dual role of helper and consumer of recovery support. Results While none of the peers interviewed expected to benefit from helping, all reported this experience to be not only meaningful but also to have a positive impact on their recovery. Providing peer support to others strengthened the workers' ability to maintain personal recovery by keeping them connected to communities of support, providing opportunities to be of service, allowing them to pay forward what had been given to them, and a sense of accomplishment in being a part of the recovery of another individual. Discussion This study highlighted that helping others is a benefit to both the recovery of peer support workers and their personal lives, while recognising the need to separate personal recovery efforts from helping.