Peer Recovery Support Services and Recovery Coaching for Substance Use Disorder: A Systematic Review
Peer recovery support services (PRSS) are when a person with lived experience recovering from substance use provides structured support (e.g., recovery coaching) to a peer also recovering from substance use. Although PRSS have been increasing and expanding in the past 10 years, they are still relatively new. Eddie et al. (2025) reviewed 28 scientific articles, encompassing 12,601 participants, to examine the critical role of peer support in the recovery journey.
Several key findings from their review include:
- Participants receiving PRSS are more likely to attend treatment, medical, and mental health appointments when compared to individuals not receiving PRSS1.
- Recovery coaching was associated with higher participation in recovery services at the 30-day follow-up for SUD hospitalizations2.
- Individuals receiving PRSS are less likely to overdose in the following year as compared to their peers3.
- Recovery coaching was also associated with a 56% increase in utilization of recovery support services (RSS) at 6-month follow-up compared with the control group2.
- Four months of peer mentorship resulted in lower levels of drinking at the 12-month follow-up, as compared to the control group, whose alcohol intake increased4.
- PRSS participants were found to have fewer crisis events and hospitalizations during a 3-year monitoring period5.
- Veterans experienced a significant decrease in the number of nights spent in psychiatric hospitals6.
- Individuals with opioid use disorder were found to have 56% lower odds of readmission—for any reason— to a hospital within 90 days when they received PRSS.
- During a 15-month monitoring study, individuals had fewer emergency department visits, fewer inpatient days, and more primary care visits when participating in PRSS.
Peer recovery is still an emerging research topic. Still, there is already overwhelming evidence that peer recovery support services fill a critical role in sustaining long-term recovery for the recovery population.
Key Takeaway: Participation in peer recovery support services leads to better recovery outcomes, such as lower hospitalization rates, fewer overdoses, and higher levels of sustained recovery. Peer support services are a vital part of the recovery pathway.