Despite political commitment to the fight against smoking, 16 million people still smoke in France, with significant human and societal consequences. Although support programs exist, quitting smoking remains a challenge for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The treatment of smokers faces various obstacles, such as fear of failure, lack of knowledge about available aids, or previous experiences marked by withdrawal symptoms, which hinder the cessation process.
An empathetic, non-judgmental, patient-centered approach would optimize smoking cessation care. Peer support groups have begun to emerge on social media, offering spaces for information, support, listening, and empathy, complementing traditional care pathways. These peer groups and patient experiences are now recognized as valuable and complementary to medical knowledge.
What is peer support?
A “peer helper” is defined as a person who has personally experienced addiction and is in recovery.
Thanks to his experience and deep understanding of addiction, he is able to offer support, advice, and empathetic listening to others in need.
A peer helper can assist another person suffering from addiction in various ways. They can share their own recovery journey, which can inspire and motivate the person being helped.
By sharing their experience, peer supporters can also provide practical advice on managing withdrawal symptoms, coping techniques, and available resources. They can also offer emotional support and a sympathetic ear, understanding what the other person is going through.
Peer support can be beneficial for any type of addiction. The principles of sharing experiences, empathetic listening, and mutual support apply to many forms of addiction, whether substance-related or behavioral.
However, it is important to recognize that each person and each addiction is unique, and that peer support approaches may vary depending on individual needs.
The integration of peer support into the care pathway for smokers is essential in the fight against tobacco.
From smoker to expert patient
To legitimize their experience and highlight their contribution, Professor Michel Reynaud, a former psychiatrist and addiction specialist who is a leading figure in the fight against addiction, launched the Patient-Expert Addictions certification. This certification opens up new perspectives for care by recognizing and valuing the expertise of recovered smokers, thereby strengthening their role in the healthcare system. ainsi leur rôle dans le système de santé.
Through this initiative, Patient Experts in addiction can make a valuable contribution by sharing their experience and empathy to help others overcome the challenges of quitting smoking and/or substance use.
Peer support at KLAVA in partnership with France Patients Experts Addictions
Since fall 2023, you can now benefit from the support of Addiction Expert Patients in your journey to quit smoking by downloading Quitoxil®, available in app stores.
Accessible with a single click from the app, addiction experts are available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., without an appointment:
1/ 1/ You choose your companion.
2/ 2/ They will act as your “coach” in four steps: listening, reassuring, advising, and encouraging you on your journey.
3/ 3/ Managing desires is complex, but they understand how they manifest and the mechanisms behind them.
4/ 4/ They complement the work of healthcare professionals by answering your questions about smoking cessation aids.
To benefit from this support, download Quitoxil® from the app stores today.
Sources:
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Certification of Expert Patients in Addiction (CPEA), Certification Training Program, Version 7-March 5, 2023
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FPEA External Evaluation Report – GHU Paris – December 2022
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A certification for Patient Experts in Addiction Medicine at the crossroads of the experiential knowledge of recovered patients and the practices of healthcare providers: 2021 Link
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