A pressing challenge to address the current overdose crisis is to facilitate the translation of evidence-based programs and practices into widespread use by communities (Blanco, et al., 2020; Cerda, et al., 2023; Krausz, et al., 2024; Sprague, et al, 2020). Centering community perspectives through skilled implementation support is critical to accomplish this goal. However, one potentially underacknowledged group that may facilitate translation of research into practice are researchers with lived (and living) experience with substance use disorders (RLE). Often, people think of people with substance use disorders and researchers as distinct, non-overlapping groups of people (Banks, et al., 2023; Miller, et al., 2024). RLE, however, exist and our team is a living example. The purpose of our work to help the field understand how we can use both our research and lived expertise to help translate research into practice. Our ultimate goal is to use what we have learned to help build trust and shared knowledge between communities and researchers and bridge gaps to improve program outcomes.
In our paper we describe how RLE can contribute to the successful implementation of evidence-based interventions by building strong community partnerships, engaging in effective knowledge translation, providing community-defined evaluation best-practices , and aiding in dissemination and sustainability efforts (Gartner, et al., 2018; Maiter, et al., 2008). Readers may be interested in how to purposefully include researchers with lived experience but wonder, what does this look like in practice?
Prior to Implementation
Integration of RLE during the pre-implementation stage can support the development of community building.
Preparing for Implementation
Intentional integration of RLE may support implementation preparation efforts to more quickly move research into practice.
During and Following Implementation
Considerations for Collaboration
We suggest that the intentional inclusion of RLE in research can accelerate the pace of science, improve the quality and outcomes of implementation science research, and make it more responsive to community needs. Strategies for collaborating with RLE to ensure meaningful participation in research and reduce stigma related to substance use disorders include creating a supportive climate where RLE feel safe and valued in disclosing relevant personal experiences. This involves:
These strategies can help ensure meaningful participation, reduce stigma related to substance use disorders, and ultimately improve implementation process and outcomes specific to evidence-based programs and practices related to SUD.
References
Banks, D. E., Brown, K., & Saraiya, T. C. (2023). “Culturally responsive” substance use treatment: contemporary definitions and approaches for minoritized racial/ethnic groups. Current Addiction Reports, 10(3), 422-431.
Blanco C, Wiley TRA, Lloyd JJ, Lopez MF, Volkow ND. America's opioid crisis: the need for an integrated public health approach. Transl Psychiatry. 2020 May 28;10(1):167. doi: 10.1038/s41398-020-0847-1. PMID: 32522999; PMCID: PMC7286889.
Cerdá, M., Krawczyk, N., & Keyes, K. (2023). The future of the United States overdose crisis: challenges and opportunities. The Milbank Quarterly, 101(Suppl 1), 478.
Cioffi, C. C., Hibbard, P. F., Hagaman, A., Tillson, M., & Vest, N. (2023). Perspectives of researchers with lived experience in implementation science research: Opportunities to close the research-to-practice gap in substance use systems of care. Implementation research and practice, 4, 26334895231180635. https://doi.org/10.1177/26334895231180635
Gartner, K., Elliott, K., Smith, M., Pearson, H., Hunt, G., & Martin, R. E. (2018). “People in regular society don’t think you can be a good mother and have a substance use problem”: Participatory action research with women with substance use in pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician, 64(7), e309-e316.
Krausz, R. M., Westenberg, J. N., Tai, A. M., Fadakar, H., Seethapathy, V., Mathew, N., ... & Ignaszewski, M. (2024). A call for an evidence-based strategy against the overdose crisis. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 69(1), 5-9.
Maiter, S., Simich, L., Jacobson, N., & Wise, J. (2008). Reciprocity: An ethic for community-based participatory action research. Action research, 6(3), 305-325.
Miller, E. A., DeVeaugh-Geiss, A. M., & Chilcoat, H. D. (2024). Opioid use disorder (OUD) and treatment for opioid problems among OUD symptom subtypes in individuals misusing opioids. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 10, 100220.
Sprague Martinez L, Rapkin BD, Young A, Freisthler B, Glasgow L, Hunt T, Salsberry PJ, Oga EA, Bennet-Fallin A, Plouck TJ, Drainoni ML, Freeman PR, Surratt H, Gulley J, Hamilton GA, Bowman P, Roeber CA, El-Bassel N, Battaglia T. Community engagement to implement evidence-based practices in the HEALing communities study. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2020 Dec 1;217:108326. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108326. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33059200; PMCID: PMC7537729.