Sometimes, you just want to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes. The Hancock Health Connection Center’s peer support specialists are here to give a hand to people who are struggling with substance or alcohol misuse. Peer support specialists bring a unique combination of professional education, specialized training and shared understanding to help people navigate a path to recovery.

During this Alcohol Awareness Month, the Connection Center is spotlighting the peer support specialist program, which can bring another layer of compassion and knowledge to the support resources we offer. Alcohol use disorder, which is defined as a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences, has no boundaries. It can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of income, education or socioeconomic status. In fact, one in 10 people can experience this particular challenge.

If someone has concerns about their alcohol use, they may benefit by being paired with a peer support specialist like those we have on staff at the Connection Center. Sometimes it’s simply easier to talk to someone who has first-hand experience, and our peer support specialists can refer patients to local resources and programs that will help them continue a journey to sobriety.

At Hancock Health, we believe that many healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in addressing alcohol misuse. Often, these professionals work as a team to determine the best treatment program for each individual. A peer support specialist can be a non-threatening, compassionate first step for persons who are ready for change. Let’s talk about what peer support specialists bring to the table:

A peer support specialist has walked the walk and understands the complex emotions and struggles that go hand-in-hand with substance misuse. Each person’s story will be different, but there are often common themes in substance misuse. People may feel embarrassed or ashamed. They may feel like they are not worth saving. A peer support specialist has most likely experienced the same emotions and can relate to them.

A peer support specialist is familiar with the various paths to sobriety that are available and can often speak of their own experiences. Recovery takes many forms, from emergency treatment for those who are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms to inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, individual counseling, support groups and 12-step groups. Any of these may be intimidating when you haven’t experienced them. A peer support specialist provides a safe sounding board for questions about the various treatment options. 

A peer support specialist understands that sometimes people are reluctant to seek help. Our peer support specialists will not force anyone to seek treatment for alcohol misuse. If someone simply isn’t ready to willingly make those changes, a peer support specialist will step back and simply be ready to step in again in when they’re needed.

A peer support specialist understands the concept of “hitting bottom” and can help people find a way out of the darkness. “Hitting bottom” is a common phrase used to define that moment when someone realizes they can no longer continue making the same choices over and over again. Many people in recovery speak of hitting bottom as the defining moment where they finally decided to address their alcohol misuse. But the bottom can be a dark and lonely place, and a peer support specialist can help people climb back to light and support.

A peer support specialist is rarely shocked or surprised, because they have experienced or encountered many of the things that can happen when someone is struggling with alcohol misuse. Alcohol misuse can cloud judgment and motivate a person to do things they may never do while sober. This embarrassment or shame can be a barrier to seeking help. A peer support specialist has seen it all – or at least most of it – and will listen without judgment.

A peer support specialist will never judge a person for their alcohol misuse, nor will they shame them if there are relapses.  Sobriety is often not a “one and done” program. Relapse is common, especially as people work to balance their treatment program with other responsibilities and stressors. A peer support specialist understands that relapse doesn’t mean failure, nor does it indicate a weakness. 

Are you concerned about your alcohol use? The Hancock Health Connection Center helps people find the local resources they need to address these feelings. Our support navigators and peer support specialists offer a nonjudgmental, listening ear for people who are struggling. Stop by the Connection Center at 120 W. McKenzie Road, Suite G, in Greenfield, during regular business hours, or call us at 317-468-4231.