Peer Support Services
Rural Response Network
What is a Peer Supporter?
A Certified Peer Recovery Support (Peer Supporter) has lived experience like those they assist. A Peer Supporter is in recovery from substance abuse, alcoholism, and/or a mental health condition. They have taken 65 hours in classes, background checks, testing, and have received
certification from the State of Ohio. They are subject to ongoing continued education to maintain their certification.
How Can They Help?
They offer encouragement, hope, and a sense of direction in early and ongoing recovery. They offer a unique type of support including self-help, advocating, and demonstrating effective coping techniques in recovery. Should you choose, a Peer Supporter can act as an advocate in the community, in the judicial system, and in accessing treatment. The Peer Supporter helps educate you and your family on a full array of support options. Peer Supporters are not sponsors. If you choose that path to recovery, they may suggest a sponsor (if able) and find you meetings. Although not attending meetings with you, they can assist as “tour guide” to educate you on what to expect. Peer Supporters believe in the many pathways to recovery approach. We believe everyone has the right to choose the pathway to their recovery.
Who Does it?
They offer education, guidance, and understanding that promotes the recovery plan YOU have chosen. Peer Support can happen whenever 2 or more peers are in a mutual, supportive relationship, and one models a successful recovery. The Peer Supporter sets an example of recovery but is clearly different than the role of treatment counselor, 12-step sponsor, or other professional. Our goal is to enhance, not duplicate or replace the existing services already available in the community. Their purpose is to help you with your accountability, scheduling, and assignments deemed by your existing treatment plans. Their goal is to find your strengths and remove barriers to your long-term recovery, (i.e.: obtaining identification, getting back on Medicaid, helping your family find (or giving your family) support , connecting you with someone for a job search, ).
Peer Supporters help you seek out and engage with existing community services. Peer Supporters do not diagnose, provide therapy, or give advice, but we will assist you in getting those questions to your doctor, counselor, or sponsor where appropriate.
To Become a Peer Supporter Today Click Here.
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