Abstract
BackgroundTraditional research about substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is considered, among an increasing number of service users, to be disempowering and poorly reflective of their priorities. Thus, this methodological article sought to examine the experiences of a peer research group (PRG), whose four members were in long-term SUD recovery, and a principal investigator (PI), when collaborating on a study of SUD recovery. This article has also aspired to discern the influence of peer researcher participation on the research process. The purpose of the qualitative research project that formed the basis of this methodological study was to examine the reasons provided and strategies employed for abstaining from problematic substance use among persons with SUDs.MethodsThe project took place from 2015 to 2018, during which time individual interviews were conducted with 18 persons in recovery from SUDs. The PRG contributed to all parts of the project and worked alongside the PI in preparing the study, during early stages of data analysis, and while writing up the findings. In total, ten group discussions were held over the course of 3 years.ResultsThe study showed that the PRG offered important contributions with respect to developing the interview guide, preunderstanding among the PRG members, and discussing alternative forms of data collection. Key findings about how this collaborative research process was experienced relate to three matters: the group aspect of participation, the value of predictable routines and clear expectations, and the open sharing of private matters. The PI experienced the research process as having been enriched by alternative ways of asking questions and interpreting findings and as an interactive arena for reciprocal social and professional support.ConclusionsWhen establishing a PRG while studying recovery processes, it can be advantageous to include several peer researchers with diverse lived experiences concerning substance use, treatment, and recovery. If possible, at least one peer researcher with formal training or qualitative research experience might be included. The PI should be trained in collaborating with peer researchers or should be part of a research environment in which it is possible to discuss methodological challenges with other researchers.
Highlights
Traditional research about substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is considered, among an increasing number of service users, to be disempowering and poorly reflective of their priorities
Collaborative research about SUD recovery holds potential for capacity building and empowerment among both service users and the affected communities, as has been indicated in the national policy documents [8, 9] and evidenced in research [10,11,12,13]. This methodological article sought to examine the experiences of both peer researchers and a principal investigator who collaborated on a study of SUD recovery and to examine how peer researcher participation influenced the research process
As we will return to later in this article, we suggest that future projects account in advance for the question raised by this peer research group (PRG) member and its implications for the ethical integrity of the study design
Summary
Traditional research about substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is considered, among an increasing number of service users, to be disempowering and poorly reflective of their priorities This methodological article sought to examine the experiences of a peer research group (PRG), whose four members were in long-term SUD recovery, and a principal investigator (PI), when collaborating on a study of SUD recovery. Collaborative research about SUD recovery holds potential for capacity building and empowerment among both service users and the affected communities, as has been indicated in the national policy documents [8, 9] and evidenced in research [10,11,12,13] This methodological article sought to examine the experiences of both peer researchers and a principal investigator who collaborated on a study of SUD recovery and to examine how peer researcher participation influenced the research process
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