This research, and arguably seminal, primer on the significance and effective overlap of prevention and addiction science reveals significant insights and resources in empowering demand reduction and primary prevention in community development.
Recent evidence emphasises the crucial role of lived experience in prevention.
An example again comes from the Well Communities' approach, which utilises Behavioural Health Companions and Recovery Coaches with personal addiction experience. This peer-based model shows remarkable outcomes, with 73% of retained participants engaging in active volunteering and 39% securing stable employment. These results prove particularly significant given their success with highly vulnerable populations, including individuals with histories of offending, substance misuse, social exclusion, and dual diagnosis. This peer-based model has proven especially effective because:
- Peers can engage vulnerable populations more effectively than traditional healthcare providers
- Lived experience creates authentic relationships that support long-term recovery
- Recovery coaches serve as visible proof that change is possible
- The human assets tasked in an evidence-based education pedagogy this ‘knowledge placeholder’ can be an incredibly effective prevention education investor
- Peer support reduces stigma and increases program engagement
The evidence suggests that prevention through peer support and community engagement isn't just more humane - it's more effective and cost-efficient than traditional treatment-focused approaches.
This model, adapted slightly, can be tasked in a prevention education arena enabling these recovery alumni to add their lived experience and earned resilience to an evidence-based demand reduction education program of resilience building. (excerpt page 9)
