Implementation and formative evaluation of a peer-led chemsex intervention targeting sexualised crystal methamphetamine and GHB use: the M3THOD study
M3THOD was valued by participants with unique information and support needs often unmet by sexual health, mental health and drug and alcohol services and reported that peers' personal experiences of chemsex facilitated rapid rapport, validated and mitigated clients' shame around chemsex. Our formative evaluation indicated that a peer intervention addressing chemsex is acceptable, appropriate, and feasible in contexts sufficiently resourced to provide substantial support for peer workers. Hiring a team of peer workers, providing training, ongoing coaching, monthly clinical supervision and establishing supportive relationships with co-located counsellors were said to enable the safe and effective delivery of this peer-led chemsex service.
Authors
- Louisa Degenhardt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8513-2218)
- Daniel Storer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8465-7664)
- Adam H. Bourne (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7786-8981)
- Nadine Ezard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7495-8305)
- Krista J. Siefried (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6534-3325)
- Bo Xiao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9361-4340)
- Garrett Prestage (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3917-8992)
- Dean Murphy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2752-7091)
- Robert Stirling (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0596-8286)
- Jack Freestone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7503-7540)
- Mohamed Hammoud (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7952-7969)
- Lisa Maher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6020-6519)
Institutions
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- Burnet Institute (AU)
- La Trobe University (AU)
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation (AU)
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (AU)
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney (AU)
- Cancer Australia (AU)
- National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Harm Reduction Journal
- Published
- 2025-11-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01329-2
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35
Funders
- National Health and Medical Research Council