Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Exam
*Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026
|VERIFIED|
What core values guide peer support in recovery, and how do these values influence the support
process?
Peer support is guided by values of hope, open-mindedness, empathy, respect, honesty, and
directness, with the goal of facilitating change and supporting individuals throughout their recovery.
What does it mean for peer support to be voluntary, mutual, and reciprocal, and how does this impact
the relationship between peer recovery specialists and those in recovery?
Peer support is built on mutual respect and equality, where both parties share power and
responsibility, focusing on strengths and transparency while being person-driven in its approach.
How is empathy defined in the recovery context, and why is it essential for peer recovery specialists to
demonstrate empathy?
Empathy involves understanding and identifying with another person’s situation, feelings, and
motives, creating a compassionate and supportive environment for recovery.
What does it mean to truly empathize with someone in recovery, and how can a peer recovery specialist
apply this in practice?
Empathizing means listening actively and deeply, allowing the person to express their experiences
and feelings without judgment, and providing emotional support.
What are the key components of effective listening, and how can peer recovery specialists use these
components to enhance their support?
Effective listening includes focusing attention on the speaker, avoiding distractions, acknowledging
emotional states, and engaging with the person both physically and emotionally, ensuring they feel
heard and understood.
What common barriers hinder effective listening, and how can these barriers be overcome in recovery
support settings?
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, Barriers such as assumptions, selective listening, distractions, and premature responses can
obstruct effective listening. Overcoming these requires staying focused, being patient, and fully engaging
in the conversation.
How does motivational interviewing serve as a framework for guiding individuals in the recovery
process?
Motivational interviewing is a method that helps individuals explore their internal motivations
and thoughts about behavior change, encouraging them to take ownership of their recovery.
How does motivational interviewing empower individuals to recognize and address their own challenges
in the recovery process?
It empowers individuals by helping them identify discrepancies between their goals and current
behaviors, and guiding them to solve their own challenges with behavior change.
What are the four essential dimensions identified by SAMHSA that support a fulfilling life in recovery?
Health, home, purpose, and community.
In SAMHSA’s framework, how is "Health" defined in relation to supporting recovery and well-being?
Managing one’s disease(s) while striving to live in a physically and emotionally healthy way.
What does "Home" represent within the SAMHSA model of recovery, and how is it crucial for individuals
in recovery?
A stable and safe place to live, offering both physical security and emotional comfort, which is
essential for recovery.
How does SAMHSA describe the role of "Community" in the recovery process, and why is it so
important?
Community refers to the relationships and social networks that offer support, friendship, love,
and hope, all of which are vital for a sustained recovery journey.
What is meant by "Purpose" in SAMHSA’s recovery model, and how does it contribute to an individual’s
recovery?
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