“You have to start normalizing”: Identity construction among self-changers and treatment changers in the context of drug use normalization

IssuesSelf‐change from alcohol and drug use problems is increasingly acknowledged in research. Despite the growing number of published studies, the most recent broad review of this dispersed field dates back to 2010. The present review narratively synthesises key findings from empirical studies and critically identifies research gaps and directions for further research.ApproachFollowing the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a systematic search was conducted in multiple scientific databases, resulting in the identification of 56 relevant articles with explicit empirical results on self‐change.Key FindingsThe scoping review presents findings related to: (i) methods and definitions used; (ii) the prevalence of self‐change; (iii) indicators of self‐change; (iv) the process of self‐change; and (v) population views on self‐change.ConclusionThe review highlights the significant growth in research on self‐change considering key themes as well as the need for a relational and time‐bound approach to self‐change in research and practice.

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What makes a peer? Characteristics of certified peer recovery support specialists in an emergency department-based intervention

Kirk,

Dawkins,

Wei

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Providing brief interventions by certified peer recovery support specialists (CPRSS) in the emergency department (ED) following a drug related visit is a promising method of service engagement and has garnered national attention. This study examines CPRSS’s perceptions of the qualities that enable them to deliver interventions in the ED. We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 CPRSSs working in EDs. Interview topics included how the participants became involved with CPRSS work, experiences working in the ED, how the ED differs from other settings, and what interactions with patients look like. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for emerging categories. Three categories were identified relating to CPRSS work: (1) how they approach peer work, (2) inherent qualities required to do the work, regardless of the setting, and (3) context-specific skills required to do the work in the ED. When describing their approach to this work, participants talked about CPRSS work as their life calling and their passion. Participants also identified certain qualities that all CPRSS workers possess, regardless of the setting, including the ability to build rapport, strong listening skills, and a shared lived experience. Lastly, participants identified how specific hard and soft skills help them to navigate organizational and structural challenges in the ED. The unique conditions of the ED and the required qualities of a CPRSS should be considered when implementing an ED-based intervention.

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“You have to start normalizing”: Identity construction among self-changers and treatment changers in the context of drug use normalization

Cited by 4 publications

References 29 publications

Identity Construction in Recovery from Substance Use Disorders

Identity Construction in Recovery from Substance Use Disorders

Self‐change from problems with alcohol and drugs: A scoping review of the literature since 2010

What makes a peer? Characteristics of certified peer recovery support specialists in an emergency department-based intervention

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