Peer Recovery Support Services: A Practical Strategy for Small Businesses
America’s substance use challenges aren’t confined to hospitals or treatment centers—they’re part of everyday life, including the workplace. With approximately 48.7 million Americans (17.3 percent of the population) living with a substance use disorder (SUD), chances are that someone on your team is navigating this journey. The good news? With the right support, recovery is not only possible—it can thrive in the workplace.
You may not have heard of peer support before. What exactly is it?
PRSS are non‑clinical services delivered by trained employees with lived experience of addiction and recovery. These peer specialists mentor, advocate, and connect co‑workers to resources in ways that licensed clinicians often cannot. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) analysis, people who receive peer services are more likely to stay engaged in recovery and less likely to relapse, making PRSS a high‑impact supplement to traditional care.
What the Numbers Say
- Nationwide coverage. As of 2023, 48 of 50 states reimburse peer services through Medicaid, signaling mainstream acceptance of the role.1
- Still under‑used. From 2017‑2020, Medicaid covered an average of 57,487 people for peer support each year—fewer than 1 in 30 of those who received counseling and far below emergency‑room utilization.1
For employers, these figures point to a resource that is proven, reimbursable in most states, yet still vastly under‑leveraged.
Why Should Small Businesses Care?
- Retention & morale. When workers feel supported in recovery, they’re more likely to stay, sparing you costly turnover.
- Productivity. Fewer relapses mean fewer absences and “presenteeism.”
- Culture. A peer‑led, recovery‑positive environment reduces stigma and signals that employee well‑being truly matters.
First Steps to Bring PRSS Into Your Workplace
- Identify partners. Local recovery community organizations (RCOs) often supply trained peers on a contract basis.
- Add peers to existing benefits. If you offer an Employee Assistance Program, ask the vendor about integrating peer recovery specialists.
- Nominate internal champions. Employees in stable recovery can complete certification training (often low‑cost or state‑funded) and serve as in‑house supports.
- Establish clear confidentiality. Make sure workers know peer conversations are private and separate from HR files.
- Promote the resource visibly. Launch it just as you would any new benefit: staff meeting shout‑outs, break‑room flyers, LMS introductions!
Peer Recovery Support Services have national momentum, documented impact, and room to grow. For small‑business owners juggling tight budgets and tight‑knit teams, PRSS offer a people‑centered, cost‑smart way to keep your workforce healthy, engaged, and resilient—exactly the qualities that help a small company thrive.
Want to find out more about Peer Recovery Support Services? Check out SAMHSA’s guide here, as well Drug Free America Foundation’s one-pagers on Peer Support and Recovery Capital.
Citation:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Financing peer recovery support services to improve substance use disorder treatment outcomes (PEP23-06-07-003). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/financing-peer-recovery-report-pep23-06-07-003.pdf