Peer Services

Looking for the support of a Peer?

Adults with substance use issues often find themselves hopeless, alone, and without the resources needed to achieve lasting recovery. By leveraging their lived experience and EqualSRQ’s extensive resource network, our certified recovery peer specialists guide clients through their recovery journey

GET A CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER SPECIALIST

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Adults 18 and older who:

  • lives in Sarasota county.
  • identifies as having a substance and/or alcohol use problem.
  • wants recovery support

Seeking to become a Peer?

EqualSRQ can assist individuals in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). To find out more about training and volunteer hours for individuals seeking to become a CPRS email support@sarasotarecoverypeers.org.

Contact A CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER Supervisor

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To familiarize yourself with the Florida Certification Board’s criteria for becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, click here.  

    HOW MUCH DOES A CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER COST?

    Our peer specialist program is FREE to anyone meeting the eligibility requirements.

    HOW LONG DOES PEER SUPPORT LAST?

    Depending upon the individual’s needs, peer support can last as long as the person chooses to engage in services.

    WHAT DOES A CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER DO?

    All of our recovery peer specialists are certified through the Certification Board of Florida and have been in long-term recovery for at least three years. Peer specialists help guide individuals seeking recovery through a range of activities aimed at building recovery capital:

    • Entering and exiting various formal treatment services
    • Guiding individuals toward a recovery pathway that is right for them
    • Overcoming barriers
    • Setting and achieving goals
    • Accessing recovery support services
    • Providing emotional and moral support
    • Guiding individuals to partner organizations and agencies that provide clinical and mental health services
    • Developing social support groups
    • Education and occupation support
    • Family and community support

    WHAT IS RECOVERY CAPITAL?

    Recovery capital refers to “the breadth and depth of internal and external resources that can be drawn upon to initiate and sustain recovery.” As people with substance use disorders acquire meaningful resources like housing, employment, social connections and support, long-term recovery becomes more attainable.

    “[My Certified Recovery Peer specialist] helped me get my life back in order by first teaching me how to set realistic goals, helping me find transitional housing, and then providing transportation to enroll in school. … I think having a specialist keeping me accountable and pushing me to achieve my goals was the best tool I’ve had in my recovery.”
    – Former EqualSRQ Participant

    “I really like the way that you can just be yourself without any judgment. If you want help, you can just ask for it and they will not think of you any less no matter what you are going through. They are just there to help.”

    — EqualSRQ Participant

    “I struggled with depression & anxiety for years, for a long time I felt alone, like I had no one to turn to. The peer community has given me a place where I can be myself and not feel alone, makes me feel like my problems matter, I don't feel judged, I don't always feel like I'm the weirdo in the room, unflagging positive attitude, whether I needed to sit and talk or have someone listen, I feel safe.”

    — EqualSRQ Participant

    “I love being able to take my dogs with me wherever I go, I’m glad you have a space for me to be with my “kids” during our time together.”

    — EqualSRQ Participant

    “I love being able to take my dogs with me wherever I go, I’m glad you have a space for me to be with my “kids” during our time together.”

    — EqualSRQ Participant

    “What I needed was a job and I'd be good. I also needed housing, I was tired of the sprinklers coming on, getting me wet in the middle of the night in the community park! I also needed food had no refrigeration living in the bushes! My peer helped me tackle these challenges one by one.”

    — EqualSRQ Participant