"PEER"-ing into the Future of Substance Use Disorders...

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and a fact sheet report from the White House, nearly 41.1 million Americans suffer from Substance Use Disorders.

Sadly, only 2.7 million (around 6.5%) get the help they need to combat the conditions of their personal affliction. Our Government continues to attempt to fight a war on drugs - we are continuing to lose, year after year.

Millions of dollars to try to stop a "drug trade" that continues to be supported by over 12% of the American population who suffer from an affliction they don't have the proper tools to deal with effectively. So, what's the REAL answer to the growing drug epidemic??

If traditional advertising techniques teaches us anything - it teaches us that we emulate those individuals we look up to and respect, like sports figures or entertainers. It shows us we trust and believe individuals we see as being most like us in age, status and culture. They are "our group" or "pack" - and we are essentially "pack animals".

There are certain advertising techniques that use this basic psychology to change our behavior patterns. They are known as testimonial advertising and bandwagon motivation. We tend to want to be like those we admire and believe those most similar to us or are part of our social groupings.

In the field of substance use disorders, the most valuable "untapped" resource in helping individuals develop the tools to deal with their addictive disorder is the "Peer Advocate / Peer Counselor".

Peer Counselors can supply a number of benefits to a client, which sometimes cannot be added by the Traditional Counselor interactions. Peer Counselors provide a way in which the client can make some very key determinations and integrations in their treatment programs.

Here are several distinct benefits to Peer Counselor interventions...

First, they come to realize they are not alone - others have walked the same path before them and SUCCEEDED in addressing the issue.

Second, they feel more open to express their feelings, emotions and thoughts to someone like themselves. The Peer Counselor is exactly that - a peer. Being able to talk to someone who has gone through similar things and can out the other side stronger is comforting and morale boosting.

Third, because the Peer Counselor has been through the process of recovery they are able to add insights to the client and demonstrate how the process of recovery works - through their own experiences. The Peer also validates the treatment program and its effectiveness.

Although some believe that Peer Advocates / Counselors detract from the effectiveness of the Traditional Counselor - they are incorrect. The client actually gains a greater respect for the program. The client believes the process works - because they recognize the results in the Peer Advocate / Peer Counselor. They look up to the peer and want to emulate their successful behavior. Through the Peer Advocate / Counselor, they see the success that is possible.

So as the epidemic of Substance Use Disorders grows, we have to "PEER" into the future and be able to motivate clients in a positive fashion - using simple psychological advertising concepts to advance the numbers of individuals we are able to help grow into healthier, more productive members of our community.

Peer Advocacy + Recovery Programs = "Successful Client Recovery Results"