Impact of peer support on the improvement of Substance-Related Disorders: a scoping review

Approximately 275 million people globally utilized drugs, with around 32 million grappling with substance use disorders (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC], 2022). Peer support-based treatment, where individuals draw from personal experiences to aid fellow addicts in recovery, has emerged as a promising intervention. Addressing a literature gap, this scoping review delves into the significance and role of peer support in enhancing Substance-Related Disorders. Our analysis encompassed 6 meticulously chosen randomized clinical trials, adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. These studies explored peer support-based interventions for substance use disorders. Results from the reviewed studies consistently demonstrated positive outcomes post-intervention, primarily evident in improved treatment adherence. However, a significant reduction in substance use was not universally observed. Given the limited number of articles and the complexity of substance use disorders, our findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive review encompassing not only randomized clinical trials but also diverse research methodologies. This research emphasizes the multifaceted nature of substance-related interventions and underscores the potential of peer support in enhancing treatment outcomes.