A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Peer Recovery Coaches for Addiction Recovery Among Indigenous Americans
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peer recovery coaches (PRCs) have experienced addiction and are trained to help others in recovery. Indigenous American (IA) adult PRCs may fill gaps of culturally specific support in addiction. AIMS: The aims were to: (1) evaluate the feasibility of implementing a PRC intervention compared to an attention control group recovering from a substance use disorder, (2) compare PRC and attention control groups on relapses and secondary outcomes, and (3) measure PRC strategies. METHODS: In this feasibility trial, we recruited a total of 120 adult IAs with substance use disorders. Ninety participants were randomized to the PRC group which received support from a PRC and 30 to the attention control group which received support from a research nurse. Both groups received weekly support for 12 weeks. Participants completed surveys weekly during the 12-week intervention and then monthly for 3 months. RESULTS: = .04). "Support and advocacy" was the most common PRC intervention. PRCs were widely accepted by individuals who completed the program, receiving positive feedback from 79% of participants. CONCLUSION: This pilot demonstrated that racially concordant PRC services likely have high acceptability among IA populations. Future studies may draw on these findings by having trained IA coaches recruit and work with individuals in-person to assist with retention.
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G2209996040, G525216097
OpenAlex ID: W4407849369