Citation

Kowalski MA. Community Ment. Health J. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Criminal Justice, The College At Brockport, State University of New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY, 14420, USA. mkowalski@brockport.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10597-019-00514-5

PMID

31807994

Abstract

Peer recovery services are a community-based treatment option for people suffering from mental illness and/or substance use problems. Peer services provide an alternative to inpatient care and can help decrease costs associated with hospitalization or incarceration of the mentally ill. Yet, scant research has explored the effect of these services, particularly in rural communities. The current study assesses the impact of peer services on peer mentees' and mentors' recovery capital, quality of life, and general wellness. Consumers of peer services completed three surveys every three months for approximately 18 months. Quantitative analyses demonstrated that subjects had a marginal change in their recovery capital, but quality of life and general wellness were unaffected. Peer providers' experiences were also explored through interviews. Qualitative analyses revealed that providers have a positive outlook regarding peer services but would benefit from greater resources and additional training. Policy and community implications are also discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Community treatment; Mental illness; Peer services; Recovery; Substance abuse