Peer recovery support groups have a certified peer recovery support specialist (PRSS), who provides support to peers (those seeking help to establish or maintain their recovery). In the interaction, both the PRSS and peers receive mutual support and their recovery gains strength in the process. The role of the PRSS, however, is very clearly distinguished from that of a 12-step sponsor, treatment counselor or other professional. This is because the intent of the PRSS is to enhance the recovery process by not duplicating other services in the community.

In early recovery especially, the PRSS, acting as mentor or coach, spends a great deal of time with the peer – typically more than a 12-step sponsor. That’s because the peer leader often has a more extensive knowledge of what’s available in the community in terms of employment, housing, educational and social services and community health services. The PRSS is involved in helping peers make appropriate choices about which recovery path will work best for them – not encouraging the peer to choose the path that worked for the PRSS. Similarly, the PRSS will typically not urge the peer to follow any particular path or recovery. Again, the intent is to encourage the peer to find the recovery path that will be in the peer’s best interest – and one he or she can follow.