Peer Distinctiveness, Is It Enough? A Qualitative Study on a Peer-Run Recovery Course

Abstract

Objective: This article presents findings from a study looking into a) what is distinctive to a peer-run recovery course for people working on their mental health challenges in combination with an addiction,and b) to understand how this differentiates from traditional care. Method: A qualitative method was used to generate rich data to understand the objective of the study. Interviews were conducted with participants that had completed the recovery-oriented course “Recovery Is Up to You” before a content analysis was used on the data. Results: Peers are distinctive in that they generate a sense of belonging, resemble hope and offer practical advice. The support from peers was found to differentiate from traditional care, in that participants sought one (service) over the other depending on which area of challenge they faced. Traditional care was sought out when challenges with their mental health were the prominent challenge, whilst peer support was sought in regard to challenges they met due to their addiction. Conclusion: Receiving services from both fields was viewed beneficial, one service should not exclude the other. Future research should look how traditional care services and peer-run services complement each other.