RIZE Massachusetts (RIZE) released a report by the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine division on recovery coaches, a peer support professional used in treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The report was commissioned to study the effectiveness of recovery coaches, define and examine their role in treatment, and understand current payment methods.
The report summarizes the literature on effectiveness of recovery coaches, outlines certification requirements in 48 states and the District of Columbia with a custom search tool, and examines funding sources. A cost estimator tool accompanies the report to show likely expenses and return on investment.
Additionally, ten organizations using recovery coaches and their approaches were studied. The specifics of recovery coach responsibilities and roles varied; they work in health care and community settings, ranging from hospitals and treatment centers to police departments. The research found some common approaches, including supporting different recovery paths determined by individuals in treatment, recovery coaches engaging and communicating their personal and lived experiences, and prioritizing self-care.
Recovery coaches serve as a resource for individuals with substance use disorder by navigating treatment and recovery, providing encouragement, and building connections to community and services. With the recommendations from this report, these interventions could be further measured and maximized for effectiveness, engaging more people with OUD in treatment and recovery.
To view the recovery coach report, certification and cost estimate tools, click here.
Contact: Tabitha Bennett
Phone: 857.991.1195
Email: tabitha.bennett@rizema.org