Scroll Down
Peer-based health promotion and treatment is a public health approach that is rooted in the community, where peer workers have lived experience of AOD use and therefore act as mentors and advocates for service users. Their lived experience fosters trust and engagement and contributes to reducing stigma.
We commissioned the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) to deliver the Peer Treatment Support Service (PTSS), a central pillar of CAHMA’s alcohol and other drug service provision. The PTSS provides trauma-informed, peer-based case management and support referral pathways across the health care system. Alongside this, they offer advocacy, treatment support and education.
CAHMA provided case management services to 219 individuals, with 959 occasions of service. As a large proportion of CAHMA’s PTSS clients identified as homeless or as having no fixed address, CAHMA supports their immediate needs by providing clothing, sleeping bags and heated meals. CAHMA is committed to addressing the social determinants of health, not only through housing advocacy and health literacy education, but also by supporting individuals to reduce the harms of drug use while escaping domestic violence and coercive control.
Client story
Jack* (not their real name) was referred to CAHMA by a Social Worker at the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (AMHRU) at the University of Canberra Hospital for support with co-occurring mental health and AOD issues. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a history of cannabis, alcohol, tobacco and cocaine use.
Jack expressed a desire to stop using substances to improve his mental health. Weekly peer-led case management sessions were scheduled at AMHRU, focusing on relapse prevention strategies. These sessions were conversational and therapeutic, helping Jack explore his cravings, intrusive thoughts and emotional triggers. He responded well to techniques like breathing exercises to manage anxiety and appreciated the peer connection, often saying he looked forward to the sessions.
Since his discharge from AMHRU, Jack has remained engaged with CAHMA and reports maintaining abstinence. He continues to attend regular meetings, has a casual job and is planning to pursue further education. Jack’s journey reflects his resilience, openness to receiving support and strong family connections. Despite challenges with medication side effects and cravings, he remains committed to recovery and personal growth.
J
