@Article{info:doi/10.2196/49010,
author="Peart, Annette
and Horn, Freya
and Petukhova, Rachel
and Barnett, Anthony
and Lubman, Dan I",
title="Web-Based Forums for People Experiencing Substance Use or Gambling Disorders: Scoping Review",
journal="JMIR Ment Health",
year="2024",
month="Jun",
day="17",
volume="11",
pages="e49010",
keywords="web-based forums; peer support; substance use; gambling; scoping; review method; review methodology; forum; forums; substance abuse; addiction; addictive; addictions; peer-based",
abstract="Background: For people experiencing substance use or gambling disorders, web-based peer-supported forums are a space where they can share their experiences, gather around a collective goal, and find mutual support. Web-based peer support can help to overcome barriers to attending face-to-face meetings by enabling people experiencing addiction to seek support beyond their physical location and with the benefit of anonymity if desired. Understanding who participates in web-based peer-supported forums (and how), and the principles underpinning forums, can also assist those interested in designing or implementing similar platforms. Objective: This study aims to review the literature on how people experiencing substance use or gambling disorders, and their family, friends, and supporters, use and participate in web-based peer-supported forums. Specifically, we asked the following research questions: (1) What are the characteristics of people who use web-based peer-supported substance use or gambling-focused forums? (2) How do people participate in web-based peer-supported forums? (3) What are the key principles reportedly underpinning the web-based peer-supported forums? (4) What are the reported outcomes of web-based peer-supported forums? Methods: Inclusion criteria for our scoping review were peer-reviewed primary studies reporting on web-based addiction forums for adults and available in English. A primary search of 10 databases occurred in June 2021, with 2 subsequent citation searches of included studies in September 2022 and February 2024. Results: Of the 14 included studies, the majority of web-based peer-supported forums reported were aimed specifically for, or largely used by, people experiencing alcohol problems. Results from the 9 studies that did report demographic data suggest forum users were typically women, aged between 40 years and early 50 years. Participation in web-based peer-supported forums was reported quantitatively and qualitatively. The forums reportedly were underpinned by a range of key principles, mostly mutual help approaches and recovery identity formation. Only 3 included studies reported on outcomes for forum users. Conclusions: Web-based peer-supported forums are used by people experiencing addiction in a number of ways, to share information and experiences, and give and receive support. Seeking web-based support offers an alternative approach to traditional face-to-face support options, and may reduce some barriers to engaging in peer support. ",
issn="2368-7959",
doi="10.2196/49010",
url="https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e49010",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/49010",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38885012"
}