Connecting Peers to Recovery Resources

Lesson: Supporting Recovery Journeys
Time Estimate: ~10 minutes

  • Reading Time: ~6 minutes (1,050 words / 175 wpm)
  • Activity: Resource mapping exercise (5-7 minutes)

📖 Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
✅ Identify key community and online recovery resources
✅ Support peers in exploring resources that match their needs
✅ Use warm handoffs to ensure smooth connections to support services


🔍 Why Connecting Peers to Resources Matters

Recovery is not just about internal work—it also requires external support systems that provide stability, structure, and access to essential services. Many peers may not know what resources are available or how to access them, making your role in connecting them to appropriate support systems essential.

Resources provide tangible support – Peers may need help with housing, employment, or healthcare
Community connections reduce isolation – Being part of a group fosters a sense of belonging
Empowerment through options – Having multiple choices helps peers make informed decisions

🗣️ “Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—strong support networks make all the difference.”

Your role is to provide information, not make decisions for the peer. The key is to offer options and support the peer’s self-directed choices.


🏛️ Key Types of Recovery Resources

Peer Support Specialists should be familiar with a wide range of recovery resources to provide informed, person-centered support. These can be categorized into several groups:

✅ 1. Peer-Led Support Groups

12-Step Groups (AA, NA, Al-Anon) – Structured, spiritual-based peer recovery
SMART Recovery – Science-based, secular self-help meetings
Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) – Peer-run centers providing advocacy, education, and social support
Online Recovery Communities – Digital platforms offering peer support (e.g., In The Rooms, Mobilize Recovery)

🔹 Best for: Peers looking for community, connection, and shared experience.


✅ 2. Clinical & Professional Treatment Services

Outpatient & Residential Treatment Programs – Provide structured substance use and mental health treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Supports recovery with medical interventions like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone
Mental Health Counseling – Therapy, psychiatry, and crisis intervention

🔹 Best for: Peers needing professional support alongside peer support.


✅ 3. Social & Practical Support Services

Housing Support – Sober living homes, emergency shelters, and rental assistance programs
Employment & Education Programs – Job training, GED programs, and employment placement
Healthcare & Harm Reduction – Free clinics, syringe exchange programs, and overdose prevention services
Legal Aid & Reentry Support – Expungement services, parole assistance, and court advocacy

🔹 Best for: Peers working toward stability, independence, and holistic recovery.

Pro Tip: Peers may need a combination of different resources to address their needs. Supporting them in exploring multiple options allows for a more personalized recovery plan.


📌 How to Support Peers in Exploring Resources

Simply giving a list of resources is not enough—peers may feel overwhelmed or unsure how to access them. Here’s how to help:

Ask about their needs“What kind of support would be most helpful for you right now?”
Provide multiple options – Offer at least two or three choices
Encourage research & questions – Help peers feel comfortable making informed decisions
Follow up – Check in later to see if they accessed the resource and how it’s working

🚫 What NOT to Do:
❌ Assume all resources work the same for every peer
❌ Push a resource without considering the peer’s preferences
❌ Expect immediate engagement—peers may need time to explore options

Example: Instead of saying, “You need to go to AA,” say, “Some people find AA helpful, but there are other options too. Would you like to explore different kinds of peer support groups?”


🔄 The Warm Handoff Approach

A warm handoff means personally assisting a peer in connecting to a resource rather than just giving them a phone number or brochure. It increases the likelihood that they will follow through and feel supported.

How to Do a Warm Handoff:
1️⃣ Explain the resource – Provide information on what to expect
2️⃣ Offer to assist – Ask if they’d like help making the first call or visiting the service
3️⃣ Follow up – Check in on how the experience went and adjust as needed

Example: Instead of handing a peer a crisis hotline number, you can say, “Would you like me to sit with you while you make the call?”

🗣️ “A warm handoff isn’t just about connecting a peer to a resource—it’s about making sure they feel supported in the process.”


📌 Key Takeaways

Resources provide vital support for peers beyond one-on-one peer work.
Different types of resources address unique recovery needs—peer support, clinical treatment, and social services all play a role.
Providing multiple options and supporting decision-making empowers peers to find what works best for them.
Warm handoffs ensure a smoother transition into new services and increase engagement.

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📚 References & Research

📖 SAMHSA’s National Recovery Support Resources (SAMHSA.gov)
📖 National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS) Best Practices for Resource Connection (NAPS.org)
📖 The Impact of Peer Navigation on Recovery Outcomes – Journal of Substance Use & Recovery Studies