peer services & supports

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Peer Specialists can play an important role in establishing long-term recovery. Pairing someone new to recovery with a professional with empathy can help our clients navigate obstacles and establish healthy routines at home in their own community. Our team of peers are solid in their own recovery and contribute positively to long-term recovery achievement. They can offer indispensable, compassionate support to clients who are in the beginning stages of the recovery journey. Our peers are knowledgeable in relapse prevention methods, coping skills and crisis prevention, and understand family systems and relationship dynamics, co-occurring disorders, medication risk and management, and maintaining healthy boundaries. 

The peer specialists at Mahalo Wellness can provide round the clock care, be on-call, or to accompany the recovering person during activities like weddings, business travel or vacations. Our peers advocate for the newly recovering person and solidify establishing a cemented foundation of new recovery behaviors and routines. Our peers are trained and experienced in guiding our clients to a healthy lifestyle, adding structure, accountability, and gratitude.

Peer services for addiction typically include the following: 

1.) PEER SUPPORT GROUPS: These informal gatherings where individuals with addiction connect, share their experiences, and provide mutual support. Peer support groups create a safe and non-judgmental environment where participants can learn from each other, offer encouragement, and find solace in knowing they are not alone in their struggles. 

2.) PEER MENTORING: Peer mentors are individuals who have successfully overcome addiction and are trained to provide guidance and support to others in recovery. They serve as role models and offer practical advice, empathy, and motivation to individuals who are at various stages of their recovery journey.

3.) TELEPHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT: Peer services may also be provided through telephone or online platforms, offering individuals immediate access to someone who can listen, provide guidance, and offer support during difficult times. 

The benefits of peer services for addiction include:

Shared Understanding and Empathy: Peers have firsthand experience with addiction and can provide genuine empathy & understanding.

Non-judgmental Support: Peers offer a safe and accepting space where individuals can freely express their thoughts and feelings without fear, shame, and judgment. 

Hope and Inspiration: Seeing others who have successfully overcome addiction can instill a sense of hope and motivation in individuals who are still on their journey to recovery.

Practical Guidance: Peers can provide practical tips, strategies, and resources based on their own experiences, helping individuals navigate challenges and make informed decisions. 

It is important to note that while peer services are valuable forms of support, they are not a substitute for professional treatment or therapy. They are an incredibly beneficial and complimentary service to professional care, offering additional love, encouragement, support and connection during the recovery process. Our Peer Specialists at Mahalo Wellness have a wealth of knowledge and lived experiences with addiction, and serve as an incredible asset to our team.