Peer Recovery Support for Individuals With Substance Use Disorders: Assessing the Evidence

In recent years, peer recovery support services have become an accepted part of the treatment of substance use disorders, providing a more extensive array of services than typically associated with mutual support groups. Peer providers may help consumers set recovery goals, develop a plan, and work toward and maintain recovery. In this literature review, the last in the Assessing the Evidence Base (AEB) Series, the authors review the evidence supporting peer recovery support services, noting that more research is needed to distinguish the effects of peer recovery support from other recovery support activities. ObjectivePeer recovery support services are delivered by individuals in recovery from substance use disorders to peers with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental disorders. This review describes the service and assesses its evidence base.MethodsAuthors searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, and Social Services Abstracts for outcome studies of peer recovery support services from 1995 through 2012. They found two randomized controlled trials, four quasi-experimental studies, four studies with pre-post service designs, and one review. Authors chose from three levels of evidence (high, moderate, and low) on the basis of benchmarks for the number of studies and quality of their methodology. They also described the evidence of service effectiveness.ResultsThe studies met the minimum criteria for moderate level of evidence. Studies demonstrated reduced relapse rates, increased treatment retention, improved relationships with treatment providers and social supports, and increased satisfaction with the overall treatment experience. Methodological concerns included inability to distinguish the effects of peer recovery support from other recovery support activities, small samples and heterogeneous populations, lack of consistent or definitive outcomes, and lack of any or appropriate comparison groups.ConclusionsPeer recovery support providers aim to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery, yet studies to date have not tested the key mechanisms of this intervention. To better demonstrate the effectiveness of peer recovery support, researchers should isolate its effects from other peer-based services. Additional research should solidify its place within the substance use treatment continuum for adults with substance use disorders.