Topic 1: What Are Ethics?

Defining Ethics in Peer Recovery Support:

Ethics refers to a set of principles and guidelines that govern behavior within a specific profession. In peer recovery support, ethical guidelines ensure that our services remain professional, respectful, and beneficial to those we serve.

Ethics help us answer important questions such as:

• What is right or wrong in a given situation?

• How do we ensure we’re acting in the best interest of the people we serve?

• How do we balance our personal experiences with professional responsibilities?

In peer recovery work, ethics ensure that our services remain person-centered, trauma-informed, voluntary, and respectful of multiple recovery pathways. They help us build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.