Exploring The Psychological Benefits And Challenges Experienced By Peer-Helpers Participating In Take-Home Naloxone Programmes: A Rapid Review

Overdose is a significant problem in many countries around the world and is the leading cause of death among people who use drugs (PWUD). In order to avoid death caused by an overdose, it is necessary to intervene rapidly. Since PWUD often consume together, they are in an optimal position placed to intervene in emergency situations. Some opioid overdose prevention programmes have trained PWUD to intervene by administering naloxone. Little research has been devoted to understanding the benefits associated with the peer-helper role in the context of these programmes. Aim: This rapid review aims to summarise research on the personal impacts of the peer-helper role in overdose prevention programmes, based on peer-helper literature and general findings from peer research from other domains, including mental health and HIV/AIDS programmes. Method: The review includes a search for articles on peer-helpers from PsychInfo, PsychNET, PubMed, PsycARTICLES, Medline, Web of Science, McGill University Library WorldCat network, Scopus, and google scholar. Results: The search generated a total of 152 articles, 27 of which are discussed in detail. Findings: While many articles have been published on the impact of peer-helpers being involved in an intervention, only a few articles have been published on the psychological impacts of being a peer-helper in overdose prevention programmes. Exploratory studies suggest that empowerment and recovery are important benefits. Conditions to optimise these benefits are identified, and are relevant to programme and policy-makers.