Peer-Delivered Recovery Support Services for Addictions in the United States: A Systematic Review

Ellen L Bassuk; Justine Hanson; R Neil Greene; Molly Richard; Alexandre Laudet

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.003

Peer-Delivered Recovery Support Services for Addictions in the United States: A Systematic Review

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2016 Apr:63:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.003. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Authors

Ellen L Bassuk¹, Justine Hanson², R Neil Greene², Molly Richard², Alexandre Laudet³

Affiliations

¹ Center for Social Innovation, 200 Reservoir St. Suite 202, Needham, MA, 02494; Harvard Medical School, 5 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Electronic address: ebassuk@center4si.com.
² Center for Social Innovation, 200 Reservoir St. Suite 202, Needham, MA, 02494.
³ National Development and Research Institutes, 71 W 23rd St #8, New York, NY, 10010.

PMID: 26882891
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.003

Abstract

This systematic review identifies, appraises, and summarizes the evidence on the effectiveness of peer-delivered recovery support services for people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Nine studies met criteria for inclusion in the review. They were assessed for quality and outcomes including substance use and recovery-related factors. Despite significant methodological limitations found in the included studies, the body of evidence suggests salutary effects on participants. Current limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Keywords: Addiction; Peer support; Recovery; Recovery coaches; Systematic review.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Behavior, Addictive / prevention & control
Behavior, Addictive / therapy
Counseling / methods*
Humans
Peer Group*
Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
United States

Grants and funding

K01AA021431/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States