Piatkowski Timothy, Kill Emma, Duff Cameron, Jenkins Kailas, Hamilton Kyra
School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt. Gravatt Campus, Queensland, Australia; Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Mt. Gravatt Campus, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA), Brisbane, Australia.
Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Mt. Gravatt Campus, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA), Brisbane, Australia.
Int J Drug Policy. 2025 Mar;137:104725. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104725. Epub 2025 Feb 4.
Peer workers in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector play a vital role in harm reduction for people who use drugs (PWUDs); however, their experiences are often shaped by complex macro- and micro-risk environments. This study explores these environments and their implications for peer workers, particularly concerning stigma, legal barriers, and organisational culture.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 peers with lived-living experience of illicit drug use. Purposive sampling was employed, leveraging established peer networks and community organisations. Interviews (range = 42-90 mins) were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed, and analysed. The iterative coding process involved deductive codes based on predetermined topics and inductive codes derived from identified themes.
Participants identified key systemic challenges, including peer stigma, limited career prospects, and the complexities of navigating legal frameworks that criminalise drug use, thereby undermining the efficacy of peer work. The interplay between regulatory frameworks and societal attitudes creates barriers to employment, which disproportionately affects people with drug-related offenses. The significance of collective connection as a source of safety and support was also highlighted, particularly through peer supervision, which fosters enabling environments that promote wellbeing.
Findings highlight the need for advocacy towards legal reform and the creation of inclusive organisational cultures. Recognising and valuing the LLE of peer workers is essential for enhancing harm reduction initiatives and promoting the wellbeing of PWUDs. Addressing these macro- and micro-risk factors, including the importance of peer supervision, can improve peer workers' efficacy in providing meaningful support within their communities.
酒精及其他药物（AOD）领域的同伴工作者在减少吸毒者（PWUDs）的伤害方面发挥着至关重要的作用；然而，他们的经历往往受到复杂的宏观和微观风险环境的影响。本研究探讨了这些环境及其对同伴工作者的影响，特别是在耻辱感、法律障碍和组织文化方面。
对18名有非法药物使用亲身经历的同伴进行了半结构化访谈。采用目的抽样法，利用已建立的同伴网络和社区组织。访谈（时长42 - 90分钟）通过微软团队进行，转录并分析。迭代编码过程包括基于预定主题的演绎编码和从已识别主题中衍生的归纳编码。
参与者确定了关键的系统性挑战，包括同伴耻辱感、有限的职业前景以及在将吸毒定为犯罪的法律框架中导航的复杂性，从而削弱了同伴工作的效果。监管框架与社会态度之间的相互作用造成了就业障碍，这对有毒品相关犯罪记录的人影响尤大。集体联系作为安全和支持来源的重要性也得到了强调，特别是通过同伴监督，这营造了促进福祉的有利环境。
研究结果强调了推动法律改革和创建包容性组织文化的必要性。认识并重视同伴工作者的亲身经历对于加强减少伤害举措和促进吸毒者的福祉至关重要。解决这些宏观和微观风险因素，包括同伴监督的重要性，可以提高同伴工作者在其社区内提供有意义支持的效果。
