School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action, Queensland, Australia.
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
Int J Drug Policy. 2024 Nov;133:104614. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104614. Epub 2024 Oct 13.
People who use drugs have a long history of mobilising to reduce harm within their communities, significantly influencing harm reduction efforts globally. Peers with lived experience contribute through needle exchange programs, harm reduction education, and community-based research. Despite facing stigma, their initiatives have generated multiple benefits for communities. Collaborations between peers and researchers are increasingly recognised, emphasising meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives. This paper focuses on the role of peers in mitigating drug-related risks and harms through community care.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 people who use drugs, exploring peer support and harm reduction. Data were analysed by the lead author and a coding framework was developed in which key theme-categories were organised. Theoretical framing from science and technology studies informed analysis, recognising the political dimensions of research.
Peers play a crucial role in bridging gaps in formal services, offering stigma-free, relational care spaces. These spaces, both physical and social, affirm dignity and solidarity, countering marginalisation. Participants highlight the importance of peer involvement in driving change, promoting safer use practices, and advocating for a holistic harm reduction approach that considers systemic factors.
Our data highlight the vital role of peer connections and peer-led harm reduction practices in fostering safety, solidarity, and connection among communities of people who use drugs. Future research should continue to explore peer-led initiatives within evolving healthcare contexts, considering broader social dynamics and employing innovative conceptual frameworks to promote equitable peer-led harm reduction strategies.
吸毒者在其社区内为减少伤害而长期动员，对全球减少伤害工作产生了重大影响。具有亲身经验的同行通过针具交换计划、减少伤害教育和社区为基础的研究做出了贡献。尽管面临污名化，但他们的举措为社区带来了多种益处。同行和研究人员之间的合作越来越受到重视，强调在影响他们生活的决策中有意义地参与。本文侧重于通过社区护理减轻与毒品相关的风险和危害的同行作用。
对 30 名吸毒者进行了半结构化访谈，探讨了同伴支持和减少伤害。由主要作者对数据进行了分析，并制定了一个编码框架，其中组织了关键主题类别。从科学和技术研究中汲取的理论框架为分析提供了信息，认识到研究的政治层面。
同行在弥合正规服务中的差距方面发挥着至关重要的作用，提供无污名、关系性的护理空间。这些空间，无论是物理的还是社会的，都肯定了尊严和团结，抵制边缘化。参与者强调了同行参与推动变革、促进更安全的使用实践以及倡导整体减少伤害方法的重要性，该方法考虑到系统因素。
我们的数据突出了同伴联系和同伴主导的减少伤害实践在促进吸毒者社区的安全、团结和联系方面的重要作用。未来的研究应继续探索在不断发展的医疗保健环境中开展的同伴主导的举措，考虑更广泛的社会动态，并采用创新的概念框架，以促进公平的同伴主导的减少伤害策略。
