Multiprogram perspectives on the peer recovery specialist role, opportunities, and challenges

This study examined the scope and functioning of peer recovery services across different roles and peer recovery programs. Specific aims included (a) considering the defining role of peer recovery specialists, (b) understanding how peer specialists achieve goals, (c) determining short- and long-term outcomes resulting from peer recovery services, and (d) identifying barriers and facilitators to service provision.

A multimethod survey distributed via Qualtrics was used to collect responses from 108 peer recovery specialists, supervisory staff, and individuals receiving services across 23 programs. Qualitative responses were coded using an inductive coding strategy, whereas quantitative questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and between-role comparisons.

Participants endorsed lived experience and support as the primary roles of the peer recovery specialist, which facilitated connection to care and higher quality relationships. Several short-term outcomes were consistently endorsed across roles, including engagement in recovery services, social support, and crisis stabilization. Long-term outcomes were more variable. Peer specialists expressed challenges with maintaining boundaries with individuals given their personal experience and professional identities.

Findings point to a shared understanding of the role of the peer recovery specialist and consistency in short-term outcomes across programs, both of which support the feasibility of establishing shared implementation (process) and outcome measures to guide evaluation efforts of peer recovery programs. We provide a short form, the Peer Recovery Services Checklist, to facilitate this goal. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).