Ripple’s Peer Portal is unique among our resource pages. It has been created with the goal of serving our community of peer providers. These are resources we have found to be extremely useful for Peer Recovery Coaches and Recovery Support Specialists. The resources on this page are not cross-referenced as they are in other categories. Along with the resource links, we will also provide other information that we hope will help you on your path of peer support. Thank you for everything you do!
Peer Training & Certification Options
Recovery Support Specialist training and certifications are offered through Advocacy Unlimited. This 80-hour training is designed for people with experience mental health challenges to use what they learned over their lives and share their stories with others. It is the only state-authorized training that can certify individuals as meeting the requirements to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist.
A Recovery Support Specialists can work in both the mental health and addiction services system.
To learn more about becoming a RSS and the application process click HERE to visit Advocacy Unlimited’s site.
Peer Recovery Coach – The lessons taught through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery, better known as CCAR. The Recovery Coach Academy© will expand beyond the role of a recovery coach, as many graduates leave feeling a greater sense of self, solidifying their position as allies in the every changing recovery community. The training provides participants with a certificate of attendance, this certificate is not a certification.
A Recovery Coach can work with peers who are battling a substance use addiction. To learn more about becoming a Recovery Coach and the application process click HERE to visit CCAR’s site.
Connecticut Certification Board, Inc. – The CCB is an independent, non-governmental, 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that offers certification for addiction counselors, clinical supervisors, and prevention professionals in Connecticut.
The Board has partnered with agencies such as the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the Connecticut Association of Non-profits (CAN), the Connecticut Association of Addiction Professionals (CAAP) and the Methadone Directors of Connecticut to assure quality service for those affected by substance use and mental health disorders and the social challenges that those in recovery from these disorders face as they rebuild their lives.
Keep The Promise Coalition – Along with your Peer Support training you may wish to consider the educational offerings the Keep The Promise Coalition, better known as KTP. As you know every Peer is an Advocate, and in today’s world our voices are more important than ever. KTP has two training’s that are extremely useful for advocates who address issues at the state level.
Essentials of Legislative Advocacy – This class teaches the “essentials” of the legislative process and how to influence elected officials.
Legislative Leadership – A training for experienced advocates interested in knowing more details about the legislative process and playing a lead role in KTP advocacy at the Legislative Office Building or locally.
Becoming a member of KTP is free and is a wonderful way to stay in the loop when laws concerning the mental health and addiction services system, disability rights, state programs, insurance coverage and others issues that come up in a legislative session to be implemented, eliminated, or changed.
To learn more about becoming a member of the Keep The Promise Coalition and click HERE and visit website today.
Recovery Support Specialist – The RSS recertification process requires that you have completed 60 hours of continuing education every three years. Advocacy Unlimited offers trainings all throughout the year to help you accumulate hours, many of these offerings are at no cost. There is also no fee to renew your certification.
To download the Recovery Support Specialist Re-Certification Form click HERE.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist CPRS, more commonly known as a Peer Recovery Coach must renew their certification on an annual basis. This process must be done through the Connecticut Certification Board, Inc. In addition to the required form there is a fee of $50.00 for each renewal.
For more information on the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist renewal process, click HERE.
Other Training's for Peers in the Workforce
Intentional Peer Support provides a powerful framework for creating relationships where both people learn and grow together. We offer a range of trainings to examine and practice what is necessary to build mutual support.
IPS is used across the world in community, peer support, and human services settings, and is a tool for community development with broad appeal to people from all walks of life.
Hearing Voices Network – USA Trainings: Part of the intent and purpose of Hearing Voices Network USA is to support the development of new groups throughout the country, and to broaden understanding of the HVN approach across the US. In support of that, we have an experienced group of trainers who can offer you and your group or organization an option that meets your needs.
The Hearing Voices Network (HVN) USA is one of over 20 nationally-based networks around the world joined by shared goals and values, incorporating a fundamental belief that there are many ways to understand the experience of hearing voices and other unusual or extreme experiences. It is part of an international collaboration between professionals, people with lived experience, and their families to develop an alternative approach to coping with emotional distress that is empowering and useful to people, and does not start from the assumption that they have a chronic illness.
LivingWorks – ASIST: Trusted by professionals yet learnable by anyone, LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is the only workshop of its kind. Updated continually to reflect new knowledge, LivingWorks ASIST has been empowering people to provide skilled, life-saving interventions for over 35 years.
LivingWorks safeTALK: Using a simple yet effective model, LivingWorks safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. With over 120,000 people attending each year, it’s the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention training.
LivingWorks – Suicide to Hope: is based on extensive evidence of effectiveness for recovery and growth approaches. Even after a LivingWorks ASIST intervention, thoughts of suicide sometimes linger as people feel “stuck” with the unresolved issues in their lives. LivingWorks suicide to Hope empowers professionals to help them address these issues so they can recover, grow, and stay safe and alive in the long term.
Mental Health First Aid: is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism.
Mental Health First Aid also offers different modules which serve specific areas of the population. Use the links below to go directly to anyone of these training opportunities.
Adult – Youth – Teen – Public Safety (police) – Fire & EMS – Workplace – Veterans
Older Adults – Rural Communities – Higher Education
If you need to renew your Mental Health First Aid certification click HERE for more information.
Talk Saves Lives (TM): An Introduction to Suicide Prevention – A community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide. Attendees will learn the risk and warning signs of suicide, and how together, we can help prevent it.
More Than Sad: has taught over a million students and educators how to be smart about mental health. This program teaches teens to recognize the signs of depression in themselves and others, challenges the stigma surrounding depression, and demystifies the treatment process. This program teaches educators to recognize signs of mental health distress in students and refer them for help. The program complies with the requirements for teacher education suicide prevention training in many states.
Training Program: Facilitating a Suicide Bereavement Support Group: The AFSP Facilitator Training Program offers suicide prevention organizers a way to create and facilitate a community support group for suicide loss survivors in the aftermath of a suicide. Courses are offered as two-day trainings, of up to 36 attendees, and include lecture, interactive discussion, and role-playing. They are led by experts in the field of suicide bereavement. AFSP offers two courses: one on facilitating adult support groups, and another on facilitating child and teen support groups.
Emotional CPR (eCPR): is an educational program designed to teach people to assist others through an emotional crisis by three simple steps: C – Connecting, P – emPowering, & R – Revitalizing. The Connecting process of eCPR involves deepening listening skills, practicing presence, and creating a sense of safety for the person experiencing a crisis.
The emPowering process helps people better understand how to feel empowered themselves as well as to assist others to feel more hopeful and engaged in life. In the Revitalizating process, people re-engage in relationships with their loved ones or their support system, and they resume or begin routines that support health and wellness which reinforces the person’s sense of mastery and accomplishment, further energizing the healing process.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
QPR can be learned in our Gatekeeper course in as little as one hour.
SMART Recovery – Facilitator Training: Our most popular training course where you’ll be provided with an in-depth, comprehensive training on the SMART Recovery 4-Point Program, the SMART Recovery tools and more. SMART Recovery is a global community of people and families working together to resolve addictive problems. In our free group discussion meetings, participants learn from one another using a self-empowering approach based on the most current science of recovery.
American Red Cross – Training & Certification: Learn about our health & safety courses for individuals and companies:
First Aid: Prepare for the unexpected with first aid training from the American Red Cross. Developed and taught by experts, our convenient, affordable courses can help your organization become OSHA compliant – and empower your team to provide care when it’s needed most.
CPR: Expert training. OSHA compliant. Affordable. If you need CPR training to satisfy an OSHA-mandated job requirement or you just want to know how to keep your loved ones safe, the American Red Cross has world-class instructors and award-winning online courses to ensure that you get the latest information, and quality instruction.
AED: Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. With Red Cross AED and CPR training, you can learn when – and how – to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Our CPR/AED courses are developed and taught by experts with decades of combined experience – and deliver simple-to-use techniques and information that can help you save a life.
Research Articles
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
This research section has been created to provide useful information to anyone looking to help another person who is living with mental health or addiction challenges. In the recovery community it is often said, “A person will not start their recovery path unless they are ready to do the work.” Or “You can not force someone into recovery and expect them to succeed.”
If these statements are true how can we help someone we care about? Can we do anything when we see someone who is living with self destructive behavior? The links and articles in this section will help you answer those questions.
How to Tell if Someone is Shooting Up This article, published by Arrow Passage Recovery is a good starting point if you have concerns about someone you know using IV drugs. Sections of this article includes an introduction, first signs, physical signs, other signs, other drugs that are injected, binges, health risks, and what to do.
It explains why someone might use IV drugs by answering the questions:
What Does Shooting Up Meth Feel Like?
How Does Injecting Heroin Feel?
This site also gives you access to informational videos:
Video: How to Help a Loved One Struggling With IV Use
Video: Signs of IV Drug Use
Peer Reference
Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule
Direct link to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website for information related to HIPAA.
HIPAA Compliance Checklist
Our HIPAA compliance checklist has been divided into segments for each of the applicable rules. It should be pointed out that there is no hierarchy in HIPAA regulations, and even though privacy and security measures are referred to as “addressable”, this does not mean they are optional. Each of the criteria in our HIPAA compliance checklist has to be adhered to if your organization is to achieve full HIPAA compliance.
What Are Peer Recovery Support Services?
This manual explains peer recovery support services designed and delivered by people in recovery from substance use disorders. It discusses types of peer support for recovery, the adaptability and value of peer recovery support services, and cross-cutting core principles.
Core Competencies for Peer Workers
Learn about the foundation and essential core competencies required by a range of peer workers within behavioral health services.
Integrating Peer-support Services
Review recommendations for integrating peer support services into healthcare systems as promoted by the Affordable Care Act.
Peer Support Recovery Is the Future of Behavioral Health
Learn how community organizations provide peer support services to people in recovery and the importance of peer specialists in the behavioral health field.
Value of Peers, 2017
This is a beautifully done presentation that was created by SAMHSA in 2017. It talks about what peer support is as well as how it can be applied in the modern mental health and addiction treatment setting. This is an amazing resource that can be used to educate anyone about the life changing roll a peer can play in the recovery process.
Code of Values, Ethics, and Principles
Certified Recovery Support Specialists’
DMHAS; Updated January 8, 2015 (revised December 11, 2019)
CODE OF VALUES & ETHICS
1. Certified Recovery Support Specialists will not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate in any form of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, political belief, mental or physical disability, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition, or state.
2. Certified Recovery Support Specialists will advocate for the full participation and inclusion of individuals into the communities of their choice and will promote the inherent value of these individuals to those communities.
3. Certified Recovery Support Specialists will advocate for those that they serve to make their own decisions in all matters. Certified RSSs will advocate for individuals to achieve their own stated needs, wants, and goals.
4. Certified Recovery Support Specialists will, at all times, respect the dignity, privacy, confidentiality and rights of the people they serve.
5. Certified Recovery Support Specialists should avoid entering into dual intimate relationships or commitments that conflict with the interests of those they serve (while the working support relationship is ongoing).
6. Certified Recovery Support Specialists should not engage in sexual or intimate activities or relations with the people they serve.
7. Certified Recovery Support Specialists will openly share their recovery stories in order to promote and support recovery and resilience with the people they serve and colleagues (as appropriate to the situation).
8. Certified Recovery Support Specialists will keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to recovery peer support and advocacy, and openly share this knowledge with their colleagues and people they serve.
1. Hopeful
2. Self-determination
3. Strengths based
4. Recovery-oriented
5. Trauma-informed
6. Understanding the Human experience instead of pathologizing and treating people like a diagnosis
7. Respect
8. Non-assuming and Being Curious to learn from those they serve
9. Person centered/Person driven Recovery
10.Dignity of Risk
11.Mutuality and Shared Power
12.Advocacy
13.Self and relational care
14.Partnering
15.Open-minded – Non-Judgmental
16.Self-awareness
17.Shared decision making
18.Transparency with those served
19.Authenticity
20.Embracing and Supporting Diversity
21.Honesty
22.Empathy
Codes of Ethics / Conduct - For Peers, Professional Providers, State Administrators, and Contractors
Connecticut State Legislators Guide to the Code of Ethics – 16 page PDF file.
Public Officials and State Employees Guide to the Code of Ethics – 16 page PDF file.
State Contractors Guide to the Code of Ethics – 15 page PDF file.
Client Lobbyist Guide to the Code of Ethics – 38 page PDF file.
Citizen’s Guide: Filing an Ethics Complaint – 11 page PDF file.
Advocacy Unlimited’s Recovery Support Specialist Code of Conduct – All information related to the RSS code of conduct will be distributed in the course materials and discussed at length in the training classes. If you would like specific information or have a question about the RSS program please contact Advocacy Unlimited directly.
Connecticut Certification Board, Inc. (CCB) CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT – The CCB is an independent, non-governmental, 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that offers certification for addiction counselors, clinical supervisors, and prevention professionals in Connecticut. The Board has established specialty certificates in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and problem gambling for professionals licensed and credentialed in other behavioral healthcare domains.
National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters – SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery – 9 page PDF file – National Association of Peer Specialist (NAPS) embarked upon an inclusive process, with assistance from a panel convened by SAMHSA, to establish Practice Standards for the emerging profession of Peer Support, as a first step in a possible national credential.
International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. It was begun by a small group of peer specialists in Michigan interested in what was happening in other states. Founded in 2004, the organization now includes members from every state and several countries outside the US. Peer support, as a non-clinical practice in mental health and behavioral health, is growing rapidly and iNAPS has emerged as an advocate for the inclusion of peer supporters throughout service systems in all settings at the state and federal levels. It is indeed exciting to see growth in peer support and our organization at the same time.
Mental Health Advocates International (Facebook Community): This group is a supportive place where people from around the world who are interested and passionate about mental healthcare advocacy can meet, network, and discuss opportunities, topics, trends, and resources of interest.
NoStigmas Mental Health Allies (Facebook Community): This is a peer-driven group for people to share experiences and ask questions related to mental health and suicide. Please remember that we are all equal members of the mental health community, and should treat one another with respect. The purpose is to provide support, not medical advice or criticism. Personal attacks, harassment, and discrimination will not be tolerated in this group.
CT Legislative History - Bills That Effect Workforce Peer's
In 2017 a conversation among peers was brought into the spotlight. Certified peers are considered professionals in the state of Connecticut and can work in environments ranging from mental health treatment centers to hospital emergency rooms. As more men and women became trained as Peer Recovery Coaches and Recovery Support Specialists, a question was raised, should insurance companies cover the cost of services provided by these peers?
The first bill, H.B. 6887, was titled AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES PROVIDED BY CERTIFIED PEER COUNSELORS.
This bill sparked debate and some very valid concerns about how this would affect the role of the peer provider. Some testified “that by requiring insurance companies, provider networks, and hospital associations to define peer support service, it will become another business transaction. They went on to say that when this becomes purely a business transaction, the effectiveness of this particular support service will be diminished.”
Other peers expressed concern that, “the bill and the language used to define “peer support” and how much latitude it gives to insurance companies to determine what actually counts as “peer support”. He testified that this bill does not protect peer support from co-option and would like to see matters worked out in the bills language before supporting it.”
RockingRecovery.org and the members of Ripple are apart of the conversation that is currently addressing this topic, and we are working with others to move this bill forward. The purpose of this section is to familiarize you with the history of this effort should you wish to advocate for peer support, or testify before the Connecticut Legislative body regarding this very important issue.
2017 – HB-6887: AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES PROVIDED BY CERTIFIED PEER COUNSELORS.
Status: FAILED TO PASS
Bill History
Bill Language
Joint Favorable Report
Testimony
2019 – HB-5270: AN ACT CONCERNING PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS AND REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR OUTPATIENT PEER SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED BY CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS.
Status: FAILED TO PASS
Bill History
Bill Language
Joint Favorable Report
Testimony
2020 – HB-5248: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PEER SUPPORT SERVICES IN THIS STATE.
Status: Joint Favorable on 03/10/2020
Note: If a committee believes a raised or committee bill should be taken up by the full General Assembly, it votes to give the bill a favorable report. Since the committee is a joint committee (with members from both the House and the Senate), the vote is called a Joint Favorable Report.
Bill History
Bill Language
Joint Favorable Report
Testimony
2021 – HB-5550: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE CONCERNING PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS.
Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate 01/26/2021
Bill History
Bill Language
Testimony – none currently available
Updated: HB-5550 was merged with a larger mental health bill, the new bill it is included in is HB-6588
2021 – HB-6588: AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Status: In Progress
Patient Rights
You are entitled to be treated in a humane and dignified way at all times, with full respect to:
Personal Dignity – Right to Privacy – Right to Personal Property – Civil Rights
You have the right be free from physical or mental abuse or harm. You have the right to a written treatment plan developed with your input and suited to your own personal needs, goals and aspirations. You should be informed of your rights by the institution, agency or program. In addition, a list of your rights must be posted on each ward of a hospital.
Direct Link to entire document: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMHAS/Publications/patientrightsengpdf.pdf?la=en
Sec. 17a-505. (Formerly Sec. 17-186). Escort of female patients to hospital.
Sec. 17a-507. (Formerly Sec. 17-187a). Admission to general hospital having psychiatric facilities.
Sec. 17a-508. (Formerly Sec. 17-188). Commitment after expiration of specified period.
Sec. 17a-510. (Formerly Sec. 17-192). Release or transfer; procedure.
Sec. 17a-511. (Formerly Sec. 17-193). Transfer of patients by agreement.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title I – Employment
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title II – State and Local Governments
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title III – Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities
Family and Medical Leave Act – U.S. Department of Labor:The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.
Fair Housing Act – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI): An official website of the United States government. PAIMI is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS).
Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Disability Rights Connecticut Advisory Council: The PAIMI Council comprises of people with mental illness, their family members and others who have experience advocating for or serving people with mental illness.
Service Animal Defined – State of Connecticut, Office of Legislative Research
Service Dogs and the Law – State of Connecticut, Office of Legislative Research
Service Animal Requirements – U.S. Department of Justice
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA – U.S. Department of Justice
Service Animals (Including Emotional Support Animals) – U.S. Department of Transpertation
Animal Welfare Act – United States Department of Agriculture
Americans with Disabilities Act – State and Local Governments (Title II)
Americans with Disabilities Act – Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities (Title III)
Assistance Animals – Fair Housing Act – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
In the United States, only about one in ten people in need of rehab actually receive treatment. One of the main concerns that prevent people from getting the help they need is the concern of losing their jobs. Addiction is a serious medical issue and is therefore covered by FMLA and it’s unfortunate that not a lot of people are aware of this. This resource was shared with us by a Community Outreach Specialist with AddictionResource.net
The guide can be found at: www.addictionresource.
askjan.org: The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.
Language
While working in the field of mental health and addiction services you may work with a verity of professionals. Please keep in mind that some credentials may vary by state. Some credentials you may encounter as a Peer Supporter may include the following:
AA – Associate of Art
ACSW – Associate Clinical Social Worker
ADN – Associate’s Degree in Nursing
APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
AS – Associate of Science
ATR – Art Therapist
BA – Bachelor of Arts
BRI – Board Registered Interventionist
BS – Bachelor of Science
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
CAC – Certified Addiction Counselor
CADC – Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant
DSW – Doctor of Social Work
LAC – Licensed Addiction Counselor
LADC – Licensed Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor
LCAT – Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker
LCDP – Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional
LCMHC – Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker
LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor
LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
LPHA – Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts
LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
LVN – Licensed Vocational Nurse
MA – Master of Arts
MAPC – Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
MD – Medical Doctor
MFT – Marriage and Family Therapist
MMFT – Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
MPH – Master of Public Health
MS – Master of Science
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
MSPH – Masters of Science in Public Health
MSW – Master of Social Work
MSSW – Master of Science in Social Work
PCP – Primary Care Physician
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
PNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
PsyD – Doctor of Psychology
PT – Primary Therapist
RN – Registered Nurse
RSS – Recovery Support Specialist
SCM – Supportive Case Manage
AD – Adjustment Disorder
ASPD – Antisocial Personality Disorder
ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHA – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
AvPD – Avoidant Personality Disorder
BED – Binge Eating Disorder
BDD – Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BPD – Borderline Personality Disorder
CD – Conduct Disorder
CPTSD – Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
CRSD – Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder
EDNOS – Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
GAD – Generalized Anxiety Disorder
NES – Night Eating Syndrome
MDD – Major Depressive Disorder
OCD – Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder
PPD – Paranoid Personality Disorder
PTED – Post-traumatic Embitterment Disorder
PTSD – Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
SAD – can be an abbreviation for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, or Social Anxiety Disorder
SPD – Schizoid Personality Disorder
SZA – Schizoaffective Disorder
CEU – Continuing Education Units
DSM – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (of Mental Disorders)
EBP – Evidence-based Practices
FBTP – Family-based Treatment Program
GAF – Global Assessment of Functioning
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
IRF – Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility
LOC – Level Of Care
OTC – Over The Counter
PEM – Psycho-educational Model
RPP – Relapse Prevention Plan
RTC – Residential Treatment Center
SIB – Self-injurious Behavior
SMI – Serious mental illness
THP – Transitional Housing Program
WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan
AU – Advocacy Unlimited
CAC – Catchment Area Council
CCAR – Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery
CLRP – Connecticut Legal Rights Project
CMHC – The Connecticut Mental Health Center
CVH – Connecticut Valley Hospital
DMHAS – Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
FCA – Family & Children’s Agency
HVN – Hearing Voices Network
HVN-USA – Hearing Voices Network, United States
KTP – Keep the Promise Coalition
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness – Connecticut
RBHAO – Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization
RYASAP – Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
AA – Alcoholics Anonymous
ATS – Alternatives To Suicide
CA – Cocaine Anonymous
CoDA – Co-Dependents Anonymous
FAA – Food Addicts Anonymous
GA – Gamblers Anonymous
HA – Heroin Anonymous
MA – Marijuana Anonymous
NA – Narcotics Anonymous
OA – Overeaters Anonymous
PA – Pills Anonymous
ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
CAT – Cognitive Analytic Therapy
CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CMT – Concentrative Movement Therapy
DNMS – Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy
DBT – Dialectical Behavior Therapy
ECT – Electroconvulsive Therapy
EFT – Emotionally Focused Therapy, or Emotional Freedom Therapy
EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
ERP – Exposure and Response Prevention
FAP – Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
IBP – Integrative Body Psychotherapy
IOP – Intensive Outpatient Program
ISTDP – Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy
MBCT – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
MBSR – Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
MBT – Mentalization-Based Treatment
MDT – Mode Deactivation Therapy
PCIT – Parent–Child Interaction Therapy
PCT – Person-Centered Therapy
PHP – Partial Hospitalization Program
REBT – Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
SFBT – Solution Focused (Brief) Therapy
SDT – Status Dynamic Psychotherapy
TFP – Transference Focused Psychotherapy
Active Listening – A technique used in counseling whether between peer to peer or peer to another service provider. This technique is also used in any environment where It requires that the listener to concentrate, fully understand, and respond in a meaningful manner to what has been said.
Cultural Competence – As a peer, cultural competence is extremely important when helping others in the areas of mental illness or addiction. It refers to our ability to demonstrate acceptance toward a patient’s diverse values, system of beliefs, feelings, and life experiences they have dealt with over the years. We must accept them as they are, even if we do not fully understand what they hold to be true.
Lived Experience – Experience gained by people in recovery from a mental illness and/or substance use disorder. In a Peer Support role they will leverage this lived experience to assist others on their recovery journey. A Peer will use their experience to inspire, educate, and above all else, be a living example that recovery is indeed possible.
Peer Support Workers – as defined by SAMHSA – Peer support workers are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.
Warmline vs. Hotline – A hotline is a number you dial when there is an immediate threat to your life or safety. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an example of a crisis hotline. They are a network of crisis centers all across the country. They provide emotional support to people who are experiencing suicidal ideations or emotional distress. Most hotlines that give this type of support operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotlines are also often tied into systems that can dispatch first responders or a mobile crisis team to your location.
A warmline is a number you dial when you do not need immediate assistance, or for people whose need is not urgent. A warmline is an excellent option to call when you feel stressed out, depressed, lonely, or need to talk to someone. Warmlines often have specific hours of operation and some are run by volunteers. In Connecticut, we have warmlines staffed by people who have lived experience with mental health challenges. They are a fantastic resource if you are looking for a friendly ear or some good advice.
This is a short list of common names for various illegal drugs and the corresponding actual name or drug type.
Angel – PCP
Angel Dust – PCP
Asid – LSD
Black Asid – PCP mixed with LSD
Black Mamba – Synthetic Marijuana
Black Tar – Heroin
Blow – Cocaine
Blues – Prescription Drug
Boomers – LSD / Mushrooms
Caps – Mushrooms
Chalk – Methamphetamine
Cid – LSD
China White – Heroin
Crack – Cocaine
Crank – Methamphetamine
Crystal – Methamphetamine
Crystal Meth – Methamphetamine
Codine – Prescription Drug
Coke – Cocaine
Domex – PCP mixed with MDMA
Dope – Herion
Dots – LSD
Dragon – Heroin
Dust – Cocaine or PCP
E – MDMA
Ecstasy – MDMA
Fentanyl – Prescription Drug
Fry – Marijuana mixed with Embalming Fluid
Ganja – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Genie – Synthetic Marijuana
Gray Death – Mixture of Opioids
Green – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Happy Pill – MDMA
Hash – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Hemp – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Herb – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Ice – Methamphetamine
K2 – Synthetic Marijuana
Kush – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Liberties – Mushrooms
Lucy – LSD
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds – LSD
Magics – Mushrooms
Meth – Methamphetamine
Molly – MDMA
Morphine – Prescription Drug
Mud – Heroin
Mary Jane – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
OC – Prescription Drug
Oxy – Prescription Drug
Oxyodone – Prescription Drug
Peace Pill – PCP
Peter Pan – PCP
Rolls – MDMA
Salvia – Synthetic Marijuana
Scooby Snax – Synthetic Marijuana
Shrooms – Mushrooms
Smack – Heroin
Snow – Cocaine
Speed – Methamphetamine
Spice – Synthetic Marijuana
Space – PCP mixed with Cocaine
Stardust – PCP
Tab – LSD
Tic Tac – PCP
Pot – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Purple Haze – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Wack – PCP mixed with Cocaine
Weed – Marijuana / Cannabinoids
Wet – Marijuana mixed with Embalming Fluid
X – MDMA
Zanny Bars – Prescription Drug
Zen – LSD
Zoom – PCP mixed with Marijuana
Recovery Innovations for Pursuing Peer Leadership and Empowerment would like to invite our Peer Recovery Coaches and Recovery Support Specialists to offer suggestions for improving this page. All ideas are welcomed and we will implement as many as our current web design skill set and ability allow. Thank you for all of the wonderful work that you do, together we truly can change the world.
To send a suggestion please go to the “Contact” page on this site. We hope to hear from you soon.
