Understanding the Stressors Faced by Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings
In the realm of overdose response, peer workers—individuals with lived experience of substance use—play a crucial role in providing support and creating safe spaces for people who use drugs (PWUD). However, these workers face numerous stressors that can impact their emotional and mental well-being. A recent study titled “Running myself ragged”: stressors faced by peer workers in overdose response settings sheds light on these challenges and offers insights into how practitioners can improve their skills and support peer workers effectively.
Key Stressors Identified
The study utilized a community-based sequential mixed-methods research design, involving focus groups and surveys to gather data from peer workers. The research identified five primary stressors:
- Financial Insecurity: Peer workers often face financial hardships due to inequitable pay and job instability. Despite their critical roles, they are frequently paid less than other support staff.
- Lack of Respect and Recognition: Many peer workers feel undervalued and stigmatized in their roles, which can lead to a lack of job satisfaction and increased stress.
- Housing Challenges: Poor living conditions and difficulty in acquiring affordable housing add to the stress experienced by peer workers.
- Inability to Access or Refer Individuals to Resources: Limited access to social services for PWUD can leave peer workers feeling powerless and frustrated.
- Constant Exposure to Death and Trauma: The emotional toll of witnessing frequent overdoses and losing clients who are often friends or family can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners working with peer workers, understanding these stressors is crucial in designing interventions and support systems. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- Financial Support: Advocate for equitable pay and stable employment contracts for peer workers to alleviate financial stress.
- Recognition and Respect: Implement organizational changes that formally recognize the contributions of peer workers, such as official job titles and descriptions.
- Housing Assistance: Collaborate with housing providers to ensure peer workers have access to safe and affordable housing options.
- Resource Access: Provide training for peer workers to navigate and refer PWUD to available resources effectively.
- Mental Health Support: Offer counseling and support services to help peer workers cope with the emotional demands of their roles.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore these stressors in different contexts and develop comprehensive support systems. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing research to better understand and address the challenges faced by peer workers.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “Running myself ragged”: stressors faced by peer workers in overdose response settings.
