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

Peer Protection policy

Community Advocacy

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. 

13th steppers and predatory behavior

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.

If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.

Goals

Our call to action is to push for legislation to reform how ethical misconduct is addressed by including the following:


  1. Mandate that all RCO, mental health and substance abuse programs visibly display the code of ethics in their facilities.
  2. Mandate that all peers in recovery are given an orientation of their rights, an understanding of the code of ethics and what recovery abuse looks like.
  3. Mandate that all peers are made aware of how to report ethics violations or abuse.
  4. Establish a submission link and hotline for reports.
  5. Mandate that all RCO, mental health and substance abuse programs establish a public review link (i.e. google review)
  6. Reform Certified Peer Specialist interview & training processes to include required critical character assessments.
  7. End predatory behavior in peer support programs to ensure the mental, physical and emotional safety of peers.
  8. Honor survivors of program abuse with real accountability and justice.
  9. Immediate revocation of certification(s) of any peer specialist exhibiting predatory behavior of any kind and immediate removal from one's position, seizing access to peers in recovery.
  10. Establish an independent Recovery Ethics & Accountability Committee.

Why this is Important.

Recovery is not just for individuals with substance or mental health challenges. People from all different backgrounds, with various challenges are in need of recovery. 

ALL deserve to seek support without being preyed on. 

The damage of recovery program abuse is unfathomable. 

The traumatization of peers is unacceptable.

Georgia highly promotes the motto "Recovery Out Loud". Yet when it comes to addressing this very serious issue, peers are expected to Recover in Silence. 

This must change. Peers will no longer remain silent about abuse, ethics violations and misconduct. It is WRONG. 

Peers are being harmed, and they absolutely deserve better. 

"Predators do not deserve to prey in peace".

Do not praise us for being brave enough to tell our recovery stories, then expect us to be cowards and keep this part of our journey a secret. 

We will speak out loud about ALL of our recovery

because somebodies got to do it.

Follow our cause on Tiktok @authenticityofrecovery

Follow our cause on Tiktok @authenticityofrecovery

Follow our cause on Tiktok @authenticityofrecovery

Follow our cause on Tiktok @authenticityofrecovery

Follow our cause on Tiktok @authenticityofrecovery

Follow our cause on Tiktok @authenticityofrecovery

Get involved

Join the Cause

Click below to become an advocate of our mission. Stand in solidarity for those in need of a voice and those in need of critical support. 

Get Started

No one should have to recover from their recovery. - Aza

Report Recovery Program Abuse

Click below to report abuse or misconduct in your area. You may submit anonymously for your comfort. 


Georgia violations can also be reported to the DBHDD (Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities)

https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Get Started

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact 988 or visit 988lifeline.org 

#standwithauthenticity

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