Navigating substance use and recovery: Service provider insights on peer support for survivors of sex trafficking

Introduction: Sex trafficking affects millions globally, leading to severe psychological and physical trauma among survivors. Peer support services, which utilize individuals with lived experiences to provide care, have shown promise in substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health treatment settings. This study explored the perspectives of service providers on the role and impact of peer support in the aftercare and recovery of sex trafficking survivors who use substances. Methods: Using purposive and snowball sampling, 21 service providers were recruited from agencies in the southwestern United States. The semi-structured interviews were approximately one hour long and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The research team conducted member checking with participants, and data analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's six-stage thematic analysis process. Results: The study identified several key factors contributing to the effectiveness of peer support for survivors of sex trafficking who use substances. Trust and empathy emerged as foundational elements, with peer mentors providing emotional support and practical guidance based on shared lived experiences. Participants highlighted the benefits of peer support in building trust, fostering empathy, and aiding recovery. However, challenges such as potential re-traumatization of mentors and maintaining boundaries were noted. Best practices included comprehensive training for peer mentors and collaboration with mental health professionals. Conclusion: Peer support services offer unique advantages in the recovery and reintegration of sex trafficking survivors, leveraging trust, empathy, and shared lived experiences. Integrating peer support into existing human trafficking and SUD treatment frameworks can enhance service engagement and recovery. Addressing complex needs through peer support is crucial for survivors of sex trafficking.