Peer Services for Medication Assisted Treatment (The MARS Project)

Primary Presenter(s)

• • 

    Joycelyn Woods, MS, CMA

    Executive Director
    NAMA Recovery

    Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

Co-Presenter(s)

• 

  Brenda Davis, CMSW

  Patient Advocate
  National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery

  Disclosure: Nothing to disclose
• AK

  Anita Kennedy, CRPA CMA

  Peer Specialist
  NAMA Recovery

  Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

This workshop presents a history of peer services in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs and the significance for treatment. Prejudice has become a primary social force that patients must overcome. For quality methadone and buprenorphine treatment to flourish it is necessary to reduce this negative influence. Peer services provide a positive force in the lives of MAT patients providing socialization, information, advocacy and improving self-esteem. This workshop provides basic information to begin Peer Recovery Services and expanding services that already exist.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion participants will understand the history of peer services and the significance it provides for treatment.
• Upon completion participation participants will have knowledge of the basics to develop peer services.
• Discuss ideas for developing peer services, i.e. educational groups, events, day to day activities.