top of page

Interested in becoming a Peer Recovery Coach?

A Peer Recovery Coach—also known as a Peer Support Specialist, Peer Advocate, or Peer Recovery Support Specialist—is someone with lived experience of substance use or mental health challenges who is trained to support others on their recovery journey. By sharing their personal story, they offer empathy, hope, and practical guidance to those navigating similar paths.

6974906-Mesu-Andrews-Quote-If-those-with-the-light-never-walk-the-narrow.jpg

Peer recovery coaching is a powerful force in building recovery-oriented systems of care. Grounded in hope, trust, and lived experience, peer coaches promote long-term recovery, self-sufficiency, and wellness. Research shows people working with peer coaches have better treatment adherence, lower relapse rates, and stronger recovery outcomes.

 

What does a Peer Recovery Coach Do?

  • Support & Mentorship: Provide encouragement grounded in lived experience and a nonjudgmental presence.

  • Personalized Recovery Planning : Collaborate to create recovery goals and actionable steps tailored to each individual.

  • Managing Triggers & Setbacks: Help others recognize, respond to, and move through cravings or challenges.

  • Resource Navigation: Connect individuals to services like treatment programs, housing, employment, and legal support.

  • Community Building: Foster healthy support systems—family, friends, and peer networks included.

  • Advocacy & Education: Empower individuals to advocate for their needs and understand their rights.

  • Health Literacy Support: Translate complex clinical and system-level information into understandable terms.


Career Pathways

  • Peer Recovery Specialist (entry-level): Provide direct support in treatment centers, nonprofits, or hospitals.

  • Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC): Specialize in addiction recovery with formal CARC certification.

  • Team Lead or Coordinator: Oversee coaching teams and manage service delivery.

  • Recovery Navigator: Guide clients through systems of care, ensuring seamless support.

  • Program Manager/Director: Lead peer support programs, staff, budgets, and long-term strategy.

  • One of the most widely respected training providers is CCAR (Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery). Their nationally recognized curriculum includes:

    • Recovery Coach Academy (RCA) – a 30-hour foundational course focused on core principles of recovery, communication, boundaries, and motivational interviewing.

    • Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches – a 16-hour training on ethical decision-making and professionalism in peer support.

    • These courses can count toward state-level certifications such as:

    • CRPS (Certified Recovery Peer Specialist)

    • NCPRSS (National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist)

    • CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, in some states)

​

​

Where They Work

Peer Recovery Coaches support individuals across diverse settings:

  • Recovery community centers & residences

  • Hospitals and emergency departments

  • Courts, child welfare, and justice systems

  • Homeless shelters and housing services

  • Primary care & behavioral health clinics

  • Inpatient/outpatient treatment centers

  • Veterans Affairs and government agencies

 

​

​

bottom of page