What is a peer recovery support specialist?

A peer recovery support specialist is someone with lived experience of addiction and recovery who provides guidance, mentoring, and support to others seeking or maintaining recovery. They are typically certified through state programs and offer a unique perspective that complements clinical treatment.

What is the difference between a peer specialist and a counselor?

A peer specialist draws on personal lived experience with addiction and recovery, while a counselor or therapist has clinical training and licensure. Peer specialists focus on practical recovery support, mentoring, and community connections. Both play important roles in the recovery process and often work together as part of a care team.

Find Peer Support Services Near You

Connect with trained peer recovery support specialists who use their lived experience to help others on their recovery journey.

Organizations

34,561

Locations

States Covered

Find Peer Support Near You

Step 1

City or State

Step 2

Type

Step 3

How Peers Help

🤝

Shared Experience

Peers understand addiction firsthand and offer hope through their own recovery story.

🧭

Navigation Support

Help connecting to treatment, housing, employment, and community resources.

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Recovery Coaching

One-on-one support to build recovery skills, set goals, and stay motivated.

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Community Centers

Safe spaces where people in recovery gather for support, activities, and fellowship.

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Crisis Support

Available during difficult moments to provide encouragement and prevent relapse.

Peer Support in Virgin Islands

1 Peer Center

Peer Support Agency

Methodist Training & Outreach Center, Inc

Peer Specialists — Virgin Islands

📞 (340) 715-2500

4A KRONPRINDSENS GADE, St. Thomas, VI, 00802-6451

1 peer specialist in Virgin Islands

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Peer Support Services

Common services offered by peer recovery organizations

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Recovery Coaching

One-on-one support from someone with lived recovery experience to guide your journey.

🏠

Recovery Centers

Safe community spaces for meetings, activities, support groups, and fellowship.

🧭

Resource Navigation

Help connecting to treatment, housing, employment, healthcare, and legal services.

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Support Groups

Regular group meetings led by peers for shared support and accountability.

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Recovery Planning

Help creating personalized recovery plans with achievable goals and milestones.

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Education & Training

Life skills workshops, job readiness training, and recovery education programs.

Browse by State

Find peer support organizations in your state

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The Power of Peer Support

Peer recovery support is one of the most effective tools in fighting substance use disorder. Research shows that peer support significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Reduces substance use and relapse rates
Improves treatment engagement and retention
Increases quality of life and social support
Reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations
Provides hope through shared lived experience

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Frequently Asked Questions About Peer Support

What is peer support in recovery? +

Peer support connects people in recovery with trained peer specialists who have lived experience with addiction. They provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support based on their own journey through recovery.

What is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist? +

A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is a person in recovery who has completed specialized training and certification. They use their personal recovery experience to help others navigate treatment, resources, and recovery challenges.

Is peer support the same as therapy or counseling? +

No. Peer support is complementary to clinical services but different. Peer specialists are not therapists — they offer support based on shared experience. They help with practical needs like navigating systems, finding meetings, and building recovery community.

How much does peer support cost? +

Most peer support services are free to the individual. Peer support is often funded through state grants, Medicaid, or nonprofit organizations. There is no cost to connect with a peer specialist through our directory.

Can peer support help with mental health issues too? +

Yes. Many peer specialists are trained in both substance use and mental health recovery. Peer support takes a whole-person approach and can help with co-occurring disorders.

How do I find a peer support specialist near me? +

Use our directory on this page to search for peer support organizations by state and city. You can also contact your local recovery community organization or call SAMHSA’s helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Support Peer Recovery

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