The barriers and facilitators to substance use disorder treatment in Northern New Mexico: a peer support worker’s perspective

This study explored potential barriers and facilitators to accessing substance use disorder treatment in Northern New Mexico, drawing from insights provided by certified peer support workers. Ten in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with certified peer support workers from two rural New Mexico counties. The transcripts were qualitatively analyzed using NVivo 15 software. Key themes identified included cultural expectations, relational dynamics, societal stigma, service gaps, and geographic challenges, serving as barriers. Motivators for treatment included extrinsic and intrinsic incentives, as well as supportive connections. While strategies such as strengthening community partnerships, cultural humility training, addiction education, specialized treatments, legal protections for providers, and mobile healthcare can improve access to care, evidence suggests that the nonjudgmental empathic support systems provided by certified peer support workers may be crucial for overcoming barriers and fostering treatment accessibility.