Using research and evidence 

to inform a federal agency’s 

response to the opioid and 

substance use epidemic

Samantha Spinney, Rosemarie O’Connor, Lily 

Zandniapour, Jehyra M. Asencio Yace, Nicole 

Jones, Ashley Lederman

Introduction

 Peer recovery coaching is a promising strategy to address 

rising rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) and drug 

overdose.

 As a type of peer support, a nonclinical professional with 

lived SUD experience provides guidance to individuals 

with a SUD by helping them access care, develop a 

personalized plan to promote long-term. recovery, and 

remove barriers to recovery (for example, housing, 

employment, or transportation).

 Our research aims to:

o Describe peer recovery coaching model 

approaches, including promising practices and 

implementation challenges.

o Understand how peer recovery coaching improves 

outcomes for organizations, peer recovery coaches, 

and program participants.

Methods

 Mixed methods approach that examined implementation 

and outcomes of peer recovery coaching models across 

four different AmeriCorps grantees.

 A subsample of program participants receiving recovery 

coaching services were compared to program 

participants not receiving recovery coaching services.

 AmeriCorps contracted with an independent consultant, 

ICF International, to conduct the evaluation. 

 Data sources included:

o Surveys and interviews/focus groups with grant 

directors, peer recovery coaches, program 

participants, and comparison group members that 

did not receive peer recovery coaching

o Grantee program documents

Peer-recovery coaching 

models used by AmeriCorpsfunded organizations can 

help mitigate substance use 

disorders and enhance 

organizational capacity

Scan to download the 

suite of research materials

For more information, contact 

alederman@americorps.gov

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and 

volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve 

their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing 

challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen 

civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 

200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors 

volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions 

more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time 

volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

Produced and published at U.S. taxpayer expense.

Results

Implementation Findings: 

 Lived experience is crucial to peer recovery coaching 

because it facilitates relationship-building between 

coaches and participants.

 Peer recovery coaches support participants in recovery 

from SUDs and mental health diagnoses.

I said I just want to talk for a 

minute. And so, they let me 

talk. They cried with me and 

they let me get this mess out.

Program participant

I will definitely give them names of 

facilities that I have experience with

or I've heard good things about and 

then they [the participants] make 

the phone call.

Peer recovery coach

Outcomes Findings:

 Grantees reported capacity improvements in providing 

services, leveraging financial support, and collaborating 

with partners.

 Peer recovery coaches reported increased knowledge, 

improved attitudes and behaviors, as well as increased 

opportunities for maintaining their own recovery.

 Program participants reported high levels of recovery 

capital (internal and external resources that enhance 

capacity for and commitment to living a sober life), which 

were greater than their counterparts who did not receive 

peer recovery coaching.

Discussion

 Grant organizations implemented peer recovery coach 

programs that met the needs of the populations served.

 Grant organizations, peer recovery coaches, and program 

participants reported favorable outcomes.

 National services members successfully supported others 

in recovery while maintaining their own recovery.