NCJ Number
161014
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1995) Pages: 507- 529
Date Published
1995
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The nature and impacts of a peer support model designed as an innovative strategy for helping street drug addicts control, reduce, or stop their use of drugs are described, using data from the outreach assisted peer-support (OAPS) model in Chicago.
Abstract
The OAPS targets active street addicts who are not in drug treatment and who may choose to continue drug use while taking part in an OAPS group. Community outreach and network sampling methods were used to recruit active heroin and cocaine users. One hundred street addicts were invited to participate in outreach staff-assisted, peer-support group sessions held at two community-based sites. Data were collected from detailed interviews, ethnographic reports, and transcribed tapes of OAPS sessions. The results indicated how individuals, propelled by group support to recover and reinforced by the rewards of an identity increasingly lodged in a life free of drug use, move from first wanting to end drug use to assuming reduced, less harmful, or drug-free living. The formation and ending of particular groups also pointed to the importance of not assessing group success by longevity and size, two measures often used to assess organizational effectiveness. In addition, the OAPS groups build on and benefit from the assistance of outreach staff who are former drug users themselves. The model also contrasts with the popular and highly successful 12-step recovery model of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous by encouraging participants, through group interaction, to define their goals, sequence of change, and methods for reducing or ending addiction. The OAPS model appeals to those who want to continue drug use, but reduce its harmful consequences, as well as those who want to shed the identity of being an addict. Notes and 42 references (Author abstract modified)