Incorporation of peer support in a novel community-based mobile withdrawal management program

Abstract

Despite the sweeping and deep-rooted impacts of problematic substance use throughout Canada, services remain under-resourced and overwhelmed. Innovative approaches are required if meaningful change is to occur. In this paper, we examine the incorporation of peer support into a novel, community-based outreach withdrawal program which engages with participants where they are situated. Peer support is an evidence-based intervention utilized in a wide range of health care arenas. It employs lived experience as a skillset to address health care needs to complement other components in the therapeutic journey. In the context of an outreach withdrawal service, peer support holds potential to deconstruct the power dynamic that acts as a barrier in conventional withdrawal programs. Peer support promotes the concept of interdisciplinary care, while actively dismantling stigma. More research is required to evaluate outcomes, client satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness with regards to peer support interventions in community-based outreach detoxification programming.