Work

The benefits and potential biases of lived experience in substance use treatment services

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research points to the value of shared lived experience in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, but most focuses solely on professionals in designated peer support (PS) roles. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 20 women with OUD and 6 treatment professionals in recovery working outside of designated PS roles, this manuscript examines the support and bias which providers with lived experience may convey to patients. Women with OUD emphasized the importance of connecting with providers with lived experience both inside and outside of PS roles, while professionals described how lived experience bolstered their work. Some professionals described biases they held due to their own histories but recognized that training could help them better recognize and overcome these biases.

Source: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions

DOI: 10.1080/1533256x.2025.2534338

Authors: Kristina Brant, Oluwaseyi Quadri, Aden McCracken, Abenaa Jones

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse