Peer-support as a social work technology for people struggling with addiction or adapting to a disease

Peer counseling, which began as a self-help practice in non-governmental organizations in the mid-20th century in the United States and Europe, is gradually evolving into a fully-fledged technology for assisting people in difficult life situations. In Russian organizations, such assistance has been provided since the 1990s to people experiencing difficulties overcoming addiction or adapting to illnesses (cancer, mental health, HIV, etc.). In organizations specializing in working with HIV-positive people, such assistance is a traditional social service provided to beneficiaries. This article attempts to characterize peer counseling as a technology for social work with vulnerable groups. The theoretical framework is based on key humanistic theories of social work. The study is based on interviews with consultants and NGO specialists conducted in 2024 (N=14). To substantiate peer counseling as an independent technology, its goals, implementation specifics during a client's crisis, action algorithm, and mechanisms for maintaining client agency and activity are defined. The key outcomes of peer counseling are also identified. The integrative nature of peer counseling is demonstrated, creating conditions for social inclusion and integration of the beneficiary. Peer counseling as a technology promotes the empowerment of both the client and the counselor. The technology's humanistic content enables the principles of social justice to be embodied in the activities of those implementing it, thereby mitigating institutionalized discrimination against socially vulnerable groups included in peer counseling. The authors conclude that an independent social work technology is emerging, gradually being incorporated into the activities of not only specialized non-profit organizations but also state social service institutions. Further research in this area will allow for the study of peer counseling practices with respect to other key groups and the identification of mechanisms for the professionalization of peer counselors.