Peer support group initiative for Hispanic/Latinx individuals with alcohol use disorder in rural Montana

Abstract

Background: Only 7.9% of Americans with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) received treatment in 2023. Hispanic/Latinx populations face further access disparities, especially in underserved rural areas. Peer support groups (PSGs) are the most frequently sought recovery resource, but language barriers often prevent Spanish speakers from participating. Local Problem: Although more than 15 English-language PSGs existed in the local Montana area, no Spanish-language PSGs were available. Spanish speakers with court mandates for AUD treatment and PSG attendance were risking jail time and deportation for non-compliance related to inaccessibility. Intervention: The project developed the skills of non-licensed personnel to initiate a culturally sensitive, peer-led community support group for Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latinx adults with AUD. Methods: Data collection via facilitator surveys and analysis informed iterative adjustments to improve attendance, material efficacy, and facilitator confidence. Results: The resulting PSG consistently exceeded attendance targets with a mean of 5.2 participants and 85.2% repeat attendance. Alcoholics Anonymous material preparation and the freedom to follow participant-led discussions enabled facilitators to feel prepared, adapt to conversation flow, integrate new members, and utilize resources as needed. Facilitator confidence improved by a mean of 20% but remained below the 90% target. Group success and sustainability were exhibited by its continued operation, location contract assumption, secured funding for ongoing needs, and application for official AA recognition. Conclusion: This project demonstrated that non-licensed personnel could be equipped to effectively address provider scarcity and AUD treatment inequity by initiating culturally sensitive PSGs for Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latinx adults with AUD.