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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, ensuring 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.

Calls to Action Poll

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Peer mentor training
Group facilitator training
Crisis responder training
Toolkits or educational resources
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Templates for operations (e.g., reports, outreach plans)
Apps for scheduling, communication, or service delivery
Centralized platforms or systems to manage services
Tech literacy and support for RCO staff/volunteers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Public education materials about recovery
Anti-stigma messaging and campaigns
Community presentations or media outreach
Engagement with schools, employers, and faith-based organizations
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Transitional or supportive housing models
Second-chance hiring programs
Job training and resume support
Partnerships with local employers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Volunteer recruitment and engagement
Matching professional skills (e.g., legal, marketing) with org needs
Platform or system to manage and track volunteer involvement
Training and orientation tools for volunteers