Work

From Lived Experience to Professional Practice: Challenges and Insights in Norwegian Addiction Treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines how professionals in Norwegian addiction treatment services incorporate their personal experiences with addiction and recovery into their work. Drawing on reflections from individuals who previously worked as peer workers and now serve as trained professionals, it explores the influence of lived experience on treatment approaches and professional identity. Through qualitative interviews with professionals who blend formal training with personal recovery journeys, the study finds that professionals’ lived experiences can enhance patient empathy and rapport. However, it can also challenge established professional and ethical boundaries, requiring a careful balance between personal insight and professional objectivity. The study reveals that while sharing recovery narratives might strengthen client trust and hope, the question of what constitutes an acceptable or ethically suitable recovery narrative remains largely unanswered. These uncertainties raise ethical questions about the boundaries within therapeutic relationships, especially concerning the potential risks of oversharing or using a one-size-fits-all narrative approach. As professionals navigate a complex landscape of expectations, the findings underscore the need for clear guidelines and supportive frameworks to guide the responsible use of lived experience, ensuring it contributes positively to treatment quality.

Source: Contemporary Drug Problems

DOI: 10.1177/00914509251334924

Authors: Liese Recke, Marte Nygård

Institution: VID Specialized University

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400