Attitudes Regarding Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among Peer Recovery Coaches

Abstract

Objectives: A growing number of individuals are employed as peer recovery coaches to mentor, support, and educate those in recovery. Despite the robust evidence base for the benefits of medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), prior research has identified peers in recovery to hold both positive and negative attitudes toward medications for OUD (MOUDs). We aimed to survey peer recovery coaches in Massachusetts about their attitudes toward working with individuals utilizing MOUDs.

Methods: All 202 individuals certified as peer recovery coaches in Massachusetts were invited to participate in a brief, anonymous online survey between August and October 2020. The survey collected the respondents' age, sex, certification year, duration of employment as a coach, personal history of substance use disorders, and MOUD treatment.

Results: A total of 129 responses were received, representing a 63.9% response rate. Eighty-six (64.3%) reported a personal history of OUD, of whom 64 (74.4%) reported prior MOUD treatment. The majority held positive views about MOUDs, endorsing them as appropriate treatments to achieve sobriety. Coaches with personal history of MOUDs were more likely to report enjoying working with patients on methadone. Coaches without any personal history of OUD or MOUDs were older, more likely to have an alcohol use disorder, and more likely to encourage drug-free treatments before MOUDs and shorter duration of MOUD treatment.

Conclusions: Results indicate that peer recovery coaches in Massachusetts hold generally positive attitudes toward MOUDs, but those without any personal history of OUD or MOUDs may be less likely to encourage MOUD treatment.