From Lived Experience to Professional Practice: Challenges and Insights in Norwegian Addiction Treatment

This article examines how professionals in Norwegian addiction treatment services incorporate their personal experiences with addiction and recovery into their work. Drawing on reflections from individuals who previously worked as peer workers and now serve as trained professionals, it explores the influence of lived experience on treatment approaches and professional identity. Through qualitative interviews with professionals who blend formal training with personal recovery journeys, the study finds that professionals’ lived experiences can enhance patient empathy and rapport. However, it can also challenge established professional and ethical boundaries, requiring a careful balance between personal insight and professional objectivity. The study reveals that while sharing recovery narratives might strengthen client trust and hope, the question of what constitutes an acceptable or ethically suitable recovery narrative remains largely unanswered. These uncertainties raise ethical questions about the boundaries within therapeutic relationships, especially concerning the potential risks of oversharing or using a one-size-fits-all narrative approach. As professionals navigate a complex landscape of expectations, the findings underscore the need for clear guidelines and supportive frameworks to guide the responsible use of lived experience, ensuring it contributes positively to treatment quality.