Being a Peer Recovery Specialist can help you have the skills to build meaningful friendships outside of work. It involves showing respect, earning trust, and being culturally aware by demonstrating understanding. Friends support each other when needed (keeping with respecting boundaries) and instill hope in one another’s lives. Engaging in self-care, sharing creativity, and being truthful strengthens connections. Friendships thrive on mutual respect and equality. Practice inclusion and compassion by showing empathy when meeting new people. Be a good listener, focus on your friend, and avoid distractions. Set aside prejudices and refrain from making hurtful comments. Don’t interrupt; instead, show genuine interest in what they are saying. Demonstrating that you have “been there” fosters empathy and connection. Finally, understand their perspectives.

While it is important to be supportive, maintain professional boundaries, and avoid forming personal friendships with the peers you are helping in their recovery journey.