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Maegen
Student
New London, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to go about becoming a recovery support specialist?
I am already a CPRSS , I have personal experience with the psychiatric part but i have never had a drug & alcohol addiction situation. I want to well rounded in both aspects
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2420
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maegen !
As a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, there may be a time for which you will have MICA clients, so it is good that you are exploring this to be prepared. To begin with, basic first aid and calling 911 will be what you do in case of emergencies. The scope of your position will not require anything further.
Your first step is to meet with your supervisor and ask about trainings. In places that utilize your position, there are usually copious trainings, conferences and opportunities to learn about the various subjects and topics of drug addiction in our current times.
So, the Intake process is very important. Whether you or a different staff are doing the Intake, it is usual practice during this interview to ask about the client's addictions and whether they are recovered or current users, how many times they have rehabbed (this can be insight for your services for the client), and what mental health illness they have been diagnosed with and if they're on medication or not or just not taking prescribed medication. So, this is all established at Intake so you will know about your client before the initial interaction.
Depending on where you work, daily morning or weekly meetings is another place where you'll get insight not only about your clients, but your co-workers' clients too. It's important because you may be there during an episode even if it's not your client. I was a general intensive Case Manager and it doesn't happen often, but it happens. Even with my own clients but my forte was not drug addiction. I would either call 911 and or refer the client to a Drug Rehab Center for services.
Not having hands on experience, but lots of training, with drug addiction, I always found that it was hard to distinguish mental illness features with addiction features. This is crucial to be able to distinguish as they can sometimes be very similar in some people. The more willing the client is to provide information about themself and their history and currently, the better you will be at serving them, so it's not your fault. I would usually have meetings with their family members and get their perspective, too (whether they were or were not addicts).
So, you need not go any further than the free trainings and conferences offered by your employer and the community. You'll be learning something new all the time. I commend you for the position you are in because your support for your clients means the world to them. You certainly make a significant difference in their lives !
Best wishes to you in all you do !
As a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, there may be a time for which you will have MICA clients, so it is good that you are exploring this to be prepared. To begin with, basic first aid and calling 911 will be what you do in case of emergencies. The scope of your position will not require anything further.
Your first step is to meet with your supervisor and ask about trainings. In places that utilize your position, there are usually copious trainings, conferences and opportunities to learn about the various subjects and topics of drug addiction in our current times.
So, the Intake process is very important. Whether you or a different staff are doing the Intake, it is usual practice during this interview to ask about the client's addictions and whether they are recovered or current users, how many times they have rehabbed (this can be insight for your services for the client), and what mental health illness they have been diagnosed with and if they're on medication or not or just not taking prescribed medication. So, this is all established at Intake so you will know about your client before the initial interaction.
Depending on where you work, daily morning or weekly meetings is another place where you'll get insight not only about your clients, but your co-workers' clients too. It's important because you may be there during an episode even if it's not your client. I was a general intensive Case Manager and it doesn't happen often, but it happens. Even with my own clients but my forte was not drug addiction. I would either call 911 and or refer the client to a Drug Rehab Center for services.
Not having hands on experience, but lots of training, with drug addiction, I always found that it was hard to distinguish mental illness features with addiction features. This is crucial to be able to distinguish as they can sometimes be very similar in some people. The more willing the client is to provide information about themself and their history and currently, the better you will be at serving them, so it's not your fault. I would usually have meetings with their family members and get their perspective, too (whether they were or were not addicts).
So, you need not go any further than the free trainings and conferences offered by your employer and the community. You'll be learning something new all the time. I commend you for the position you are in because your support for your clients means the world to them. You certainly make a significant difference in their lives !
Best wishes to you in all you do !
Vika White
Indonesian Translator/Interpreter/Writer
5
Answers
Olympia, Washington
Updated
Vika’s Answer
Hi Maegen,
Becoming well-rounded in both psychiatric and substance use recovery makes you an even more valuable support for those you serve. Since you're already certified and have psychiatric lived experience, here's a targeted path to build your expertise in the addiction recovery realm:
*Expand your knowledge of substance use recovery.
Even without lived addiction experience, you can still become highly competent by immersing yourself in educational courses on substance use disorders (SUD), NAADAC, or SAMHSA webinars. To enrich your knowledge, you can also read books like "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" by Gabor Maté or "Clean" by David Sheff.
*Take specialized training.
Look for programs specifically on Motivational Interviewing (MI), harm reduction principles, Co-occurring disorders (mental health + substance use), and trauma-informed care with an addiction focus. Some examples you can explore are the SAMHSA TIP Series, Shatterproof educational resources, or CCAR Recovery Coach Academy.
*Connect with people in recovery communities.
Attend open NA/AA meetings (some are peer-education friendly), volunteer with a dual-diagnosis recovery center, and join online forums (e.g., Reddit's r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY or Soberistas).
*Work in a dual-focus setting.
Try to gain work experience or even shadow at facilities that serve Co-occurring disorders, drug court clients, inpatient detox, + mental health units.
*Network with peers who have SUD experience.
Learn from coworkers or fellow CPRSS peers with addiction recovery experience, and consider co-facilitating groups to build complementary insights.
*Document & reflect on your learning journey.
Even without personal addiction experience, documenting your exposure, training, and involvement in substance use recovery work can demonstrate your competency and commitment—especially to future employers or supervisors.
I hope that helps!
Becoming well-rounded in both psychiatric and substance use recovery makes you an even more valuable support for those you serve. Since you're already certified and have psychiatric lived experience, here's a targeted path to build your expertise in the addiction recovery realm:
*Expand your knowledge of substance use recovery.
Even without lived addiction experience, you can still become highly competent by immersing yourself in educational courses on substance use disorders (SUD), NAADAC, or SAMHSA webinars. To enrich your knowledge, you can also read books like "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" by Gabor Maté or "Clean" by David Sheff.
*Take specialized training.
Look for programs specifically on Motivational Interviewing (MI), harm reduction principles, Co-occurring disorders (mental health + substance use), and trauma-informed care with an addiction focus. Some examples you can explore are the SAMHSA TIP Series, Shatterproof educational resources, or CCAR Recovery Coach Academy.
*Connect with people in recovery communities.
Attend open NA/AA meetings (some are peer-education friendly), volunteer with a dual-diagnosis recovery center, and join online forums (e.g., Reddit's r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY or Soberistas).
*Work in a dual-focus setting.
Try to gain work experience or even shadow at facilities that serve Co-occurring disorders, drug court clients, inpatient detox, + mental health units.
*Network with peers who have SUD experience.
Learn from coworkers or fellow CPRSS peers with addiction recovery experience, and consider co-facilitating groups to build complementary insights.
*Document & reflect on your learning journey.
Even without personal addiction experience, documenting your exposure, training, and involvement in substance use recovery work can demonstrate your competency and commitment—especially to future employers or supervisors.
I hope that helps!