{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,12]],"date-time":"2026-09-12T17:48:33Z","timestamp":1789235313926,"version":"build-2803163510"},"reference-count":53,"publisher":"JMIR Publications Inc.","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["JMIR Ment Health"],"abstract":"\n Background<\/jats:title>\n 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.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Objective<\/jats:title>\n 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?<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Methods<\/jats:title>\n 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.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Results<\/jats:title>\n 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.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Conclusions<\/jats:title>\n 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.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.2196\/49010","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2024,6,17]],"date-time":"2024-06-17T10:46:12Z","timestamp":1718621172000},"page":"e49010","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":3,"title":["Web-Based Forums for People Experiencing Substance Use or Gambling Disorders: Scoping 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