Recovering from substance use disorder is a big step to take. Sometimes, you need an ally who knows firsthand what you are going through. That’s why we offer peer recovery support. At Seneca Health Services, we have multiple Peer Recovery Support Specialists that have experienced substance use treatment and recovery themselves and have been in your shoes before. Learn more about peer recovery support below.

What is Peer Recovery?

Individuals who receive substance use treatment may require additional after-care treatment like peer recovery support. Peer recovery support specialists give non-clinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders. In addition, since a peer recovery support specialist has lived the recovery experience, they can assist others in initiating and maintaining it by helping to enhance the quality of personal and family life in long-term recovery. 

At Seneca Health Services, we have multiple peer recovery support specialists that have experienced substance use treatment themselves. They know firsthand what you are going through and are ready to listen to you and support you. 

Our peer recovery services are offered through our residential detoxification treatment programs, Crosswinds Center, a short-term residential treatment program located in Maxwelton, West Virginia, and Recovery Ridge, a substance use residential treatment program in Summersville, West Virginia.

“The residents here [at Recovery Ridge] do individual therapy and group therapy with the therapists, but they also are in groups with the recovery coaches. We have wellness groups where we talk about sleeping, nutrition and taking care of ourselves overall. We also have support groups to help them reinforce the skills they learn,” said Scott McGee, Lead Peer Support Coach. (WOAY TV)

The Goals of Peer Recovery

The process of recovery is personal and occurs via many pathways. It promotes a community with relationships and social networks that provide support, friendships and hope. Our peer recovery support specialists work to: 

• Remove barriers and obstacles to recovery by serving as a personal guide
• Enter into an ongoing mentoring relationship that helps those who are in recovery from substance use disorders
• Help produce extraordinary results in patient’s lives
• Provide information and support
• Provide education of available treatment options
• Assist individuals in accessing preferred treatment
• Provide encouragement, hope and inspiration
• Offer support in meeting basic needs, developing relapse prevention plans and developing coping

Rick Martin’s Story

Rick Martin, who recently celebrated six years of a substance-free life, is one of the Peer Recovery Support Specialists at Seneca Health Services. He loves getting out of bed and coming to work every day. 

“What I find most rewarding [about my job] is watching the lights go on in people when they’ve found their path to recovery and that they’re starting to believe in it,” said Rick.

Rick had a great family upbringing and has stated that he never once thought he could become addicted, but he had an addiction for over 20 years to opioids and alcohol later in life. He credits the VA system for saving his life. “They treated me with respect; they didn’t look down on me,” Rick shared.

Rick spoke about his recovery in a group setting and the relationships he built with his peers along the way. As a result, he was able to relate to others with the same struggles. He was so inspired by the respect he was shown during his recovery that he wanted to give back and dedicate his life to helping those with substance use disorders. “Recovery does work, and I am proof that it does,” said Rick.

In Rick’s own words, “A peer recovery coach is number one, a life-saver. That’s what we do. It’s what I get up every morning to do, to help save someone’s life.” “When people with substance use come in, it’s our story that they can relate to. We care, we show them empathy, and we understand where they are coming from.” 

Rick said encouragingly, “We have walked a mile in their shoes, we have been down in that trench, and I just want to let them know that recovery is a step-by-step process, and we will walk side-by-side with them every step of the way.”

Seneca Health Services has peer recovery support specialists in Webster, Greenbrier, Nicholas and Pocahontas Counties. We are always available to help, even if it’s just to talk. Just like Rick, all of the Peer Recovery Support Specialists at Seneca are ready to listen and walk with you by your side to recovery. If you need an ally, we are here for you.

Peer Recovery Support | Seneca Health Services

Peer recovery is so much more than helping those recovering stay on track. It provides a friendship and an ally when you need it most. At Seneca Health Services, we have multiple peer recovery support specialists that have experienced substance use treatment themselves. They know firsthand what you are going through and are ready to listen to you and support you. 

No matter what your situation is, we want you to remember that you are never alone. Seneca Health Services is here to help you with any treatment questions, concerns or needs that you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact the Seneca office nearest you or use the link provided here. 

Greenbrier County, West Virginia: (304) 497-0500

Nicholas County, West Virginia: (304) 872-2659

Pocahontas County, West Virginia: (304) 799-6865

Webster County, West Virginia: (304) 847-5425