Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS) deliver peer-based recovery support to enhance existing treatment as well as support a recovery-oriented system of care. Peer Recovery Specialists are not sponsors or addiction counselors, but instead provide recovery planning and resource utilization, individual and/or group recovery support, and recovery advocacy services.
Peer Recovery Specialists are people who have lived experience with recovery who provide non-clinical recovery support to their peers through informational, affiliation, instrumental and emotional support.
Emotional support, which may include peer mentoring or support groups led by peers, encourages the individual through empathy, concern or caring, helping to bolster confidence and self-esteem.
Informational support may include a wellness seminar, child parenting class, or training for a new job. The purpose of the informational support is to provide training in various life or vocational skills and to share knowledge and information.
A sense of belonging, of community, and being with other people to promote learning social and recreational skills is important to those in recovery. Affiliation support may include opportunities for socializing that are drug- and alcohol-free, encouraging participation in sports leagues, or making recovery centers available.