When it comes to addiction and recovery, what exactly is a “peer”? Peers are people in successful recovery who are motivated to help those currently struggling with addiction. A peer may have been in a similar situation or have an increased ability to empathize and understand what the individual is going through. Most importantly, peers have knowledge to share about what has worked in their own recovery and for others. They can then connect the struggling person to resources and coaching for their specific scenario.
Judgment-Free Support for Addiction
If you’ve ever been through a difficult life experience, you know how powerful it can be to find someone who truly understands your pain. Because peers have been through their own addiction and recovery journey, they are often a trusted source of support, which can be accessed without shame or stigma. This is important, because the perceived shame of addiction can prevent people from seeking help, even when they desperately need it.
Boosting Recovery Outcomes
Does peer support have an impact on recovery outcomes? While more research is always needed on addiction and recovery, evidence suggests that, yes, it does. Active engagement in peer support groups and activities has been found to positively predict recovery (Best & Lubman, 2012). In one study of individuals in a residential detox setting, the provision of peer support—adding at least one person in recovery from alcohol use to the participants’ social network— significantly decreased relapse rates (Litt, Kadden, Kabela-Cormier, & Petry, 2007).
Finding Peer Support at Lightway Recovery
At Lightway Recovery, the recovery model is centered on peer-based support. One-on-one peer coaching is integrated into the residential program, so residents can consult with and depend on their assigned recovery coach for holistic support.
Because Lightway Recovery is a recovery residence for women, our recovery coaches are women in active recovery. This means each resident’s recovery team is comprised entirely of women with real-life experience with addiction and long-term recovery. And Lightway Recovery coaches aren’t just experienced on a personal level. They are also trained, having completed certification such as CARES through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).