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

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.