Topic 1: The Five Foundational Principles of Peer Support

Topic 1: The Five Foundational Principles of Peer Support

The Five Foundational Principles of Peer Support (SAMHSA)

Peer support services are built on five foundational principles that define how we engage with individuals in recovery. These principles ensure that support remains ethical, effective, and aligned with best practices. These are:

  1. Recovery-Oriented – Peer recovery support should always prioritize hope, growth, and positive change.
  1. Person-Centered – Services must be guided by the peer’s goals, not the peer specialist’s opinions.
  1. Voluntary – Peers must choose to engage in support freely, without coercion.
  1. Relationship-Focused – The peer connection should be built on trust, respect, and mutuality.
  1. Trauma-Informed – Peer support should recognize and respond to the impact of trauma, working to cultivate safety and empowerment.

These principles help peer recovery specialists provide ethical, consistent, and respectful support across all types of recovery settings. Let’s explore each principle in more detail.