TREATMENT FROM A-Z

Peer recovery specialists serve as role models for self-care and provide support in various ways, including assisting clients in identifying and enhancing their strengths, setting objectives, and accessing the appropriate healthcare resources. In addition, they may serve as an individual advocate for a client while encouraging them to advocate for themselves. Specialists in peer recovery work in both public and private contexts, including drug and alcohol recovery programs, community centers, hospitals, and telehealth services.

Peer support workers engage in a wide range of activities. These include:

• Advocating for people in recovery

• Sharing resources and building skills

• Building community and relationships

• Leading recovery groups

• Mentoring and setting goals

Peer support roles may also extend to the following:

• Providing services and/or training

• Supervising other peer workers

• Developing resources

• Administering programs or agencies

• Educating the public and policymakers

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors are clinical practitioners who follow evidence-based practices to provide treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. SUD counselors collaborate with patients and other health care professionals to identify substance use disorder and develop individualized treatment plans. In addition, dual-licensed drug and alcohol counselors can diagnose co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Although counselors work closely with their patients, they must always maintain strict professional boundaries.

Peer recovery specialists provide clients with information and emotional support as part of the SUD treatment process. Similar to counselors, peer support specialists adhere to a code of ethics. Although they are required to maintain professional boundaries, the character of the relationship is distinct from that of a counselor. The task of the peer recovery specialist is to establish a relationship of trust with the recovering individual and to serve as a living example that recovery is possible if a plan is developed and adhered to.