Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), Kentucky’s largest treatment provider, is partnering with the National Peer Recovery Alliance (NPRA) to elevate the role of peer support specialists within the recovery ecosystem and help more people reach long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
Peer support specialists use their lived, firsthand recovery experience to help others who are in and seeking recovery from SUD. According to SAMHSA, peer support workers – through shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment – help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting, into everyday life.
The National Peer Recovery Alliance, which launched in 2021, represents peers nationwide and is committed to building and sustaining a more unified, empowered peer workforce. NPRA already has active affiliates in Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia and Florida and is continuing to grow.
“Addiction Recovery Care’s support will allow us to continue strengthening the role of peers in communities throughout Kentucky and across the country,” said Emily Stuckey, founder of NPRA.
Brandon Conlin, director of peer support services for ARC, and Samantha Dowden, ARC’s peer support project manager, have taken the lead on establishing a Kentucky affiliate of the National Peer Recovery Alliance. NPRA-KY will convene peers throughout the state, educate others on the role of peers, and develop best practices to advance the profession.
“Peers have personal experience navigating the treatment and recovery process. Each of us has unique insights to share,” said Conlin. “We want to give peers a voice and a seat at the table so that we can increase access to peer support services and help more of our neighbors and loved ones find hope and healing after addiction.”
