A critical investigation of employing peer- interviewers in problematic substance use studies

Background 
Employing peer-interviewers can improve the richness of qualitative data, challenge authoritative knowledge in efforts to equalise power relations, and in recognition of the complexity regarding problematic substance use (PSU) issues, which requires multiplicity in experience and expertise in efforts to solve them. However, several aspects of employing peer-interviewers need consideration, connected to practical and ideological challenges, power relations and social roles, and the fact that employing a few individuals as representators for the experiences of all individuals with similar experiences could lead to a uniformity representativeness that is not necessarily the case for the general group.   
Methods 
Peer-interviewers were employed to conduct a qualitative study using a narrative approach with participants in 10-year PSU recovery trajectories. Interview data and field notes were audio-recorded and analysed using a thematic approach. 
Results 
Several significant themes that need consideration in studies employing peer-interviewers were investigated, connected to 1) Critical reflections on ethics and power relations, 2) Issues with co-producing qualitative studies on PSU, 3) Methods-specific peer-interview training, and 4) Pros and cons when employing peer-interviewers to improve studies on PSU.  
Conclusions 
Employing peer-interviewers in studies on PSU is becoming increasingly common and is often formally demanded regarding study financing. This study’s preliminary results describe several areas that needs careful consideration when employing peer-interviewers in studies on PSU, to promote personal comfort for all involved parties, to pinpoint and treat ethical and power related issues seriously, and methodological issues that needs attention to develop future studies with employed peer-interviewers.