The history of addiction treatment and recovery in the United States contains a rich “wounded healer” tradition. For more than 275 years, ndividuals and families recovering from severe alcohol and other drug problems have provided peer-based recovery support (P-BRS) to sustain one another and to help those still suffering. Formal peer-based recovery support services (P-BRSS) are now being delivered through diverse organizations and roles.
The goals of this monograph are to 1) define PBRS and P-BRSS, 2) present a brief chronology of P-BRS in the United States, 3) discuss the theories and principles that guide the design and delivery of P-BRS services, 4) illustrate the current varieties of P-BRSS, and 5) review the scientific studies that have evaluated P-BRS and specialized P-BRSS.
The monograph closes with a discussion of the strengths and vulnerabilities of peer-based recovery support and professionally directed addiction treatment services.
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