become an advocate of peer rights & stand against recovery program abuse.

Peers and advocates in the recovery communities across the state of Georgia are working together to not only resolve this critically unaddressed issue of repeated predatory behavior in recovery programs but plant the seeds of reform into a legislative policy, so that future individuals in recovery can walk a better and much safer path. The work we do today, will change the trajectory of how many will recover tomorrow. 

Certified Peer Specialist are not only trained to provide quality support to peers, but once certified they become mandated reporters and expected to uphold a high code of ethics. Many peer support specialists have several years of recovery program experience and have evolved into leadership roles. 

So, what happens when the mandated reporter needs to be reported?

Many peers are unaware of their rights or that a Code of Ethics even exists. All Georgia violations can be reported to the DBHDD (Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities)

https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

What is a 13th Stepper?

In many recovery programs 13th-stepping involves taking advantage of the vulnerability of newcomers, who may be particularly susceptible to emotional manipulation due to their struggles with addiction or mental health challenges.

Other than manipulation 13th steppers also use tactics such as, but not limited to gaslighting, deflecting, coercion, blame shifting, sexual exploitation, brainwashing, mental, physical or emotional abuse to maintain power or control of a peer.  Individuals who are new to recovery are often in the most broken and vulnerable time of their life. This is why individuals exhibiting predatory behavior should not have access to peers in recovery.

Who are 13th Steppers?

Though they are often conducted by men, both men and women can be 13th steppers. They are seasoned individuals in recovery with years of experience. Often pillars of the community and highly respected in public but behind closed doors is where they exercise these behaviors.

Some of the roles many pursue are:

Executive Directors

Recovery Program Managers

Sponsors

Group Leaders

Peer Support Specialist

All exhibit predatory behavior towards peers that have been in recovery for less than a year or show signs of low confidence, self-esteem challenges or desire validation outside of themselves. All connected to substance use and mental health struggles.