Background There is a growing demand for people with lived experience (PWLE) in substance use treatment and recovery. Because research highlights their positive impact on client outcomes, greater professionalization of these roles is increasingly needed. This paper presents findings from a survey and interviews with PWLE working in T&R, discusses the characteristics and challenges they face, and outlines recommendations.Methods Quantitative and qualitative findings from a survey conducted in 2025 of n = 59 PWLE working in T&R were triangulated with interviews conducted between 2020 and 2025 with n = 7 Quick Response Team (QRT) personnel from the same Midwestern urban county. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; open-ended survey responses and interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis.Results Findings indicate that PWLE work across a multitude of roles in T&R, leveraging their lived experience to quickly build trust with clients and address their clients' needs. Respondents highlighted the need for sustainable funding mechanisms, accessible training pathways, supervision and wellness support, and efforts to combat stigma.Conclusion There is room for improvement in supporting the professional growth and sustainability of PWLE in T&R. Addressing gaps in the financial and structural foundations of peer roles will support this effort.
Background Nightlife entertainment precincts (NEPs) are high-risk settings for aggression and alcohol-related harm. The present study aimed to examine whether the prevalence of nightlife aggression in Geelong, Victoria, has changed by comparing data from two cross-sectional patron survey studies conducted in 2012 and 2023.Method Street-intercept surveys were conducted in the Geelong NEP during peak trading hours as part of two independent studies: POINTED (2012; n = 239, 53.6% men) and the Geelong Nightlife Project (2023; n = 232, 48.7% men). Surveys collected demographic information, details about the current night out, self-reported experiences of physical and verbal aggression within the past three months, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC).Results Patrons in 2023 were significantly more likely to report experiencing verbal aggression compared to patrons in 2012 (OR = 1.86). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of physical aggression between the two timepoints (p > .05). Patrons in 2023 (M = 0.08 g/dl) recorded slightly higher BACs than those in 2012 (M = 0.07 g/dl).Conclusion This study demonstrates that aggression in NEPs remains a persistent problem. Without effective alcohol policies and targeted interventions, nightlife aggression is likely to continue, posing ongoing risks to public safety and economic burden.
