Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Davis, Robert

Committee Member

Higgins, Kristin

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use in pregnant and postpartum women is a growing issue in the United States. Drug use while pregnant can lead to birth defects, stillbirths, and problems providing positive parenting to their children. Many women with substance use disorders (SUD) feel extreme shame and stigma related to their substance use and have trouble accessing recovery-related treatment and other services. Peer recovery support treatment uses the lived experiences of individuals in current recovery from SUD to facilitate and support recovery in others. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of peer recovery support specialists on the recovery outcomes of perinatal women with SUD. Methodology: Studies of peer recovery and their influence on pregnant and postpartum women with a substance use disorder were reviewed. Studies on recovery programs for perinatal women that included some form of peer recovery were included. A targeted search through PubMed and ProQuest was utilized to evaluate existing literature on SUDs, perinatal women, and peer recovery. Results: Findings of the studies demonstrated that peer recovery is an effective way to retain perinatal women in substance use recovery programs. Particularly effective mechanisms related to recovery support specialists serving as role models, accountability partners, and non-judgmental coaches for these women in recovery. Conclusion: This review of the literature demonstrated that peer recovery support specialists provide valuable recovery outcomes for perinatal women struggling with a substance use disorder. The presence of peer recovery specialists creates a non-judgmental environment where perinatal women with a substance use disorder feel comfortable sharing their experiences without stigma. Many recovery organizations would benefit in the recruitment and retention of recovery participants if peer support specialists were present at the treatment facility. Peer specialists can also provide help with childcare, transportation, and accountability with the women participating in the recovery process.

Keywords

Substance use; Pregnancy; Postpartum; Perinatal care; Recovery

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