Peer Recovery Care Planning While Awaiting Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment

People experiencing addiction often face barriers to care, including long wait times and social isolation. Peer support, delivered by people with lived experience, can address these challenges by fostering engagement and building recovery skills. This study piloted a peer intervention using the RECovery CAPital (REC-CAP) strengths assessment and planning tool for individuals on a waiting list for alcohol and other drug community treatment.

Eligible participants (n = 21) were referred to peer workers for an assessment and goal setting session using REC-CAP between April and August 2024. Follow-up sessions occurred at 4- and 12-weeks to revisit goals and readminister REC-CAP, alongside brief fortnightly check-ins. At 12 weeks, qualitative interviews explored participant experiences and identified suggestions for improvement. Interviews were analysed using inductive content analysis. Changes in recovery capital (REC-CAP score) were assessed using a general linear model.

Of the 21 participants (55% male, mean age 44), 72% identified alcohol as their primary drug of concern. Recovery capital significantly increased across the three time points, with the greatest gains observed between baseline and 4 weeks (n = 15). Qualitative findings highlighted the value of peer connection and structured goal setting while waiting for treatment.

Peer support based on REC-CAP strengths profile and care planning shows promise in increasing recovery capital and maintaining motivation during treatment delays. Participants valued the peer relationship and the opportunity to reflect on recovery goals. These findings support further investigation in a fully powered trial to assess impact, effectiveness and scalability.