Gaps Related to Peer Support and Community Resources

• Limited emphasis on peer support. The document describes clinical treatment and recovery services but does not clearly recognize certified peer recovery specialists or individuals with lived experience as integral members of the recovery workforce. Peer support should be identified as an evidence-based strategy that improves engagement, retention, and long-term recovery outcomes.
• Insufficient focus on recovery beyond treatment. Recovery often extends well beyond the completion of clinical services. The document should acknowledge that sustained recovery requires ongoing community supports, social connections, and opportunities for individuals to rebuild meaningful lives.
• Minimal attention to recovery capital. The document could more explicitly recognize the importance of factors such as stable housing, employment, transportation, education, family support, and social connectedness. These resources significantly influence an individual's ability to initiate and sustain recovery.
• Limited discussion of continuity of care. The document should emphasize seamless transitions from prevention and treatment into long-term recovery support, with peer services helping individuals navigate systems and remain engaged in care.
• Few measurable recovery outcomes. In addition to treatment completion, the document could include outcomes that reflect sustained recovery, such as improved quality of life, increased employment, housing stability, reduced social isolation, increased community engagement, and reduced reliance on emergency and crisis services.
• Limited attention to underserved communities. The document could better address barriers faced by rural communities, underserved populations, and individuals with limited access to transportation or behavioral health services. Community-based peer supports are particularly valuable where clinical resources are scarce.
• Recovery-oriented language could be strengthened. The document should consistently frame recovery as an individualized, person-centered process that builds on strengths, hope, and resilience, rather than focusing primarily on symptom reduction or service utilization.