Exploring the benefits and challenges of lived and living experience among support workers in the alcohol, drug and mental health workforce in Australia

For individuals with lived or living experience (LLE), working in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health sector can provide personal fulfilment and strengthen recovery goals, while also presenting unique challenges. Drawing on lived experience can foster deep trust, empathy and shared understanding with clients, but this emotional proximity may also contribute to stress, vicarious trauma, and emotional distress. This study examined how AOD and mental health workers across peer-designated and non-designated roles with LLE perceived the value of their experience and the organisational supports needed to sustain safe and effective practice. Analysis of semi-structured interview data from 36 workers with LLE identified three themes: (1) benefits and opportunities of LLE, (2) complexities in LLE work, and (3) maximising LLE in workplace practices. Participants described strong relational benefits of using lived experience in their roles, including enhanced trust and increased client engagement. Workers were careful in how, and to whom, they disclosed, balancing authenticity with professional boundaries and self-protection. Many also discussed experiences of stigma within services, which could undermine their expertise and role legitimacy. Findings indicate that services should include clear role expectations for LLE workers, reflective supervision, guidance on safe sharing, and recognition of the expertise of LLE workers to avoid tokenism. Meaningful inclusion of LLE requires structural and organisational support, not just individual skills or resilience. Organisational policies that reduce stigma and provide guidance around safe disclosure are needed to assist workers in using their lived experience as a strength within their work.