Effect of Peer Support on Treatment Engagement in Clients with Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid misuse has been a growing concern that has escalated to a public health emergency. Despite substance use programs that offer assistance in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), keeping the client engaged in recovery treatment can be very challenging. Relapse prevention is a priority concern due to the higher risk of overdose following a period of sobriety. The use of Certified Peer Specialists to facilitate client engagement in treatment programs has proven to be beneficial and their role in helping individuals remain in recovery treatment is explored using the theoretical framework of Modeling and Role-modeling. The purpose of this research is to establish whether a peer support program provided by an outpatient facility was effective in achieving client engagement in recovery treatment. Data collected by the facility on client treatment encounters spanning six months was analyzed. Data sets related to individuals enrolled in a certified recovery services (CRS) program versus individuals engaged in treatment as usual were compared. Statistical analysis using the t test revealed greater engagement in recovery services among those enrolled in the CRS program. The findings support the benefit of a peer recovery service program as an option to encourage treatment engagement in clients with OUD. This research will be of value in the design and development of future program policy and treatment guidelines.