Brief describes how states are leveraging peer recovery support services to support individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) across the crisis care continuum.

Background

People with SUD often experience crises that can significantly disrupt their lives and may lack access to appropriate crisis response services to support their needs. In recent years, federal and state initiatives have focused on strengthening crisis care systems. Additionally, peer support workers have proven effective in assisting individuals during crises and improving access to care and services. This brief was developed to inform state agencies and community providers about the role of peer recovery support services in crisis care and to share state examples of successful peer integration in these programs.

About this Resource

This brief provides an overview of the impact of peer recovery support services and outlines the types of activities peer workers can perform when supporting individuals with SUD. It also highlights state examples — such as Kentucky’s Quick Response Teams, Maryland’s Crisis Stabilization Centers, and New Jersey’s Opioid Recovery Program — that have successfully integrated peers across the SUD crisis care continuum.

Program/Policy Takeaways

State agencies, community providers, and program leaders can strengthen crisis response systems by integrating peer support workers throughout the crisis care continuum. States can learn from successful peer models and adopt policies and programs that meet the needs of people with SUD.