Peer Support for Opioid Use Disorder

This trial tests whether adding peer support to standard opioid use disorder treatment helps patients adhere to their treatment longer. Participants will receive both medication (buprenorphine) and peer recovery support services for six months. The trial will occur in a Philadelphia primary care clinic. It suits individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are already receiving or starting treatment with buprenorphine and can communicate in English. Participants will have regular check-ins and share their experiences with peer support.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches in opioid use disorder treatment.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves standard opioid use disorder treatment with buprenorphine, you may need to discuss your current medications with the trial team to ensure there are no interactions.

Research has shown that peer recovery support services for opioid use disorder (OUD) are generally well-received and safe. Studies have found that these services help individuals build better relationships with healthcare providers and stay more engaged in their treatment, increasing adherence to treatment plans. Although specific side effects are not highlighted, the positive feedback and improved outcomes suggest that participants tolerate peer support well. Overall, peer support services are considered a helpful addition to standard treatment for OUD.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike traditional treatments for opioid use disorder, which often rely on medication-assisted therapies like methadone or buprenorphine, Peer Recovery Support offers a unique approach by leveraging the power of community and personal connection. This treatment is distinctive because it involves individuals who have personally experienced and overcome addiction, providing emotional and practical support to others on their recovery journey. Researchers are excited about this method because it emphasizes peer empathy and shared experience, which can enhance motivation and resilience in recovery, potentially leading to more sustainable, long-term outcomes.

Research has shown that peer recovery support services can help people with opioid use disorder (OUD) succeed in treatment. One study found that adding peer support increased the time people stayed in treatment by 45%. In this trial, participants will receive peer support, which improves relationships with healthcare providers and social networks. Those who receive peer support often stay in treatment longer and achieve better results. Overall, peer recovery support is well-received and can be an important part of OUD treatment.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹