A Holistic & Practical Approach for Addressing Opioid Substance Use Disorder-Lent

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video is a Q&A about peer support in opioid and mental health recovery, featuring clinical psychologist Michelle Lent and certified recovery specialist Christopher Leidig. Chris explains that peer support is a recovery service provided by people with lived experience, based on respect, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding. He describes the training, certification, and growth of peer support in Pennsylvania, and notes that it is evidence-based, improving engagement, social support, confidence, and reducing hospitalizations and substance use. He outlines practical services peers provide, including advocacy, benefits navigation, housing, food, transportation, medical appointment support, recovery planning, and help accessing treatment. Chris also discusses how peers “meet people where they are,” especially in harm reduction settings, and why shared experience builds trust and hope. He ends by noting ethical boundaries and where to find training and more information.

Asset Caption

Dr. Lent Peer Support Recording

Keywords

peer support

opioid recovery

mental health recovery

recovery specialist

harm reduction

lived experience