According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), “research has shown that recovery is facilitated by social support, and four types of social support have been identified in the literature: emotional, informational, instrumental, and affiliations support.” Peer recovery services provide all four to individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.
What to Expect From Peer Recovery Services
Every peer recovery organization and group has a unique mission. However, they all exist to serve people dedicated to achieving and maintaining sobriety. By joining one, you become part of a community and make life-long friends while having fun and getting assistance. You will meet people from all walks of life and stages of recovery. You can find mentors and become a role model for others. A few other services and experiences you can expect from peer recovery groups and organizations include:
Research published in the journal Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation “found significant reductions in relapse rates among participants in […] peer support community programs” and that “these results imply that peer and community support groups are important in the process of relapse reduction, in particular, groups that focus on self-determination.” Improve your well-being and achieve greater calm by joining a recovery peer group that focuses on helping you actively take part in your recovery.
- Classes on managing stress, anger, recovery, mental health, physical wellness, grief, and more
- Activities and outings where you get to spend time having fun and building bonds with peers
- Volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference for others in your community