Boston Medical Center (BMC) recently launched a program to improve engagement among patients in recovery from opioid use disorder. Project RECOVER (Referral, Engagement, Case management and Overdose preVention Education in Recovery) will connect people who have been in outpatient treatment for a minimum of 6 months with trained peer recovery coaches. There isn’t a lot of existing research on this subject, so the program will serve as a study of the long-term benefits of peer recovery coaches and how they may or may not help patients achieve sustained recovery. Although the United States is grappling with the opioid epidemic, which has been declared a public health emergency, current efforts to improve recovery resources are failing to meet expectations, BMC researchers said. 90% of patients with a substance use disorder relapse or overdose within a year after discharge from inpatient detoxification and the risk of relapse is significantly higher for patients who do not immediately transition to long-term treatment or outpatient programs. Additionally, many patients lack access to long-term care upon completing detox. We know that the longer a person engages in addiction treatment services, the stronger chance they have of maintaining lasting recovery. Recovery coaches will be responsible for keeping their patients engaged in recovery by developing individualized wellness recovery plans and coordinating housing, job training, food security and child care. People who are just beginning their recovery journey benefit from receiving help from other people who have also experienced recovery personally. Peer recovery coaches can connect with their clients on a deeper, more personal level because they have a vast understanding of addiction. They’re also a valuable resource who can help the client navigate the health care system and connect with recovery resources. Peer recovery coaches have completed training through the Massachusetts Recovery Coach Academy or a similarly rigorous program and are also trained in motivational interviewing and naloxone administration. “Peer recovery coaches are increasingly common across the country, but we’re still seeing disparities in treatment, especially among black and Hispanic patient populations,” Ricardo Cruz, MD, principal investigator of Project RECOVER and a researcher with the Grayken Center for Addiction at BMC, said. “This study will serve residents in our local communities who are disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic.” Project RECOVER will connect patients with primary care providers that specialize in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C. Patients will also receive referrals to behavioral health specialists who can offer clinical services that help patients confront the underlying issues that contribute to substance use disorder. The project will also provide support for patients’ families and other support system members. Project RECOVER is slated to serve 180 patients and distribute 360 naloxone kits–the overdose-reversing drug–to patients and members of their support systems. BMC says patients and their support systems will receive training and education on overdose and naloxone administration. At Segue Recovery Support, we know that peer recovery coaching boosts patient engagement, and we have the extensive alumni network to support it. Our clients work with a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist who helps the client navigate through their first year of sobriety and serves as a vital resource for family members. For more information about how our coaching services can help you or someone you love, contact us at 1-833-485-0789.