Understanding Certified Peer Recovery Specialists

The Essence is Connection

Bibliographic Data

ID15414014
AuthorsStephanie Elias Sarabia (College of New Jersey, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume24
Issue4
Pages393-405
Publication date2023-06-15
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1533-256X • E-ISSN: 1533-2578
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1533256x.2023.2225920
OpenAlexW4380877948
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited14

As peer recovery specialists become more essential members of the continuum of care for people who use substances, gaps exist in our understanding of peers. This study tried to understand what attracted people to become Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, how they transitioned to embrace the approach, and how they stayed true to the model as it may not align with their personal recovery pathway. This qualitative study consisted of in-depth interviews with Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (n = 18) and thematic analysis of those interviews. One overarching theme was the importance of connection in all aspects of peer work. Regardless of their initial reactions, all participants reported buying into the multiple pathways and person-centered approach by the completion of the certification process. Peers also described an appreciation for the structures of support provided by agencies such as supervision to maintain fidelity to the model

Certification · Medical education · Peer review · Political science · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Theme (computing · Computer Science · Health Policy Implementation Science · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology

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