Authors (including presenting author) :
Lau WM(1), Lam HY(1), Tse KM(1), Hui SW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Castle Peak Hospital
Introduction :
Substance abuse (SA) recovery is a challenging process requiring diverse support systems. Not only health professionals play a key role, but also peer support whose successful experiences exert inspiration to make positive change among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). With collaboration with partnered NGO, the "Peer Recovery Support Group (PRSG)" at Castle Peak Hospital was set up to connect patients of Tuen Mun Substance Abuse Clinic (TMSAC) who achieved abstinence from SA - successful quitters, with in-patients who need treatment to detoxify and prevent relapse from SA. Research shows that peer roles foster self-esteem, social connection, and long-term recovery (Eddie et al, 2019; Bassuk et al, 2016). Moreover, in-patients benefit from relatable role models who offer empathy and guidance, creating a dynamic of mutual growth and support.
Objectives :
1.To empower successful quitters by providing opportunities in role change to
reinforce their recovery and find purpose through supporting others.
2.To foster mutual growth.
3.To increase motivation for change among in-patients.
4.To brainstorm practical coping strategies and advice from quitters.
Methodology :
Peer volunteers training program:
-Recruit successful quitters from TMSAC with criteria: stable mental state, aged 18+, abstinent from substance abuse for 6+ months, fluent in Chinese, cases’ doctor approved.
-Selected participants attend a 1-day peer counseling training program with NGO Counselling Centre for Psychotropic Substance Abusers- Enlighten Centre to become peer volunteers.
Peer volunteers deliver sharing session to in-patients:
-Monthly sharing session by peer volunteers coached by clinic nurse was commenced from July 2024 in both male and female SA wards of CPH. The duration was 1 hour.
Result & Outcome :
4 successful quitters were trained as peer volunteers. Till now, there were 14 sharing sessions conducted with total 131 in-patients’ attendances.
Survey Results:
It included statements rated on a Likert scale (e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).
Peers rated overall satisfaction and program structure highly (average: 4.5).
In-patients rated perceived usefulness (4) and motivation (4.19) positively.
98% agreed session duration was suitable.
Focus group:
A focus group was conducted with peer volunteers to gather in-depth feedback on their experiences, challenges and suggestions for improvement. Volunteers appreciated the program and suggested additional training and resources to enhance their roles.
