DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL PEER RECOVERY SUPPORTER TRAINING PLATFORM

This study tests an online training platform for peer recovery support specialists, people in recovery who support others with alcohol and other substance use problems. It compares the platform with standard live training on core peer recovery skills, rated by trained raters from a recorded interview, and on knowledge, usability, and intention to use the platform. Training conditions were first recruited separately. Since an IRB-approved change in August 2026, new participants are randomly assigned to either hybrid platform training or standard live training. A self-paced platform group and a Maryland group that used a version of the platform localized for that state are reported as non-randomized comparison groups. The study is Phase II of an SBIR Fast-Track award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Inclusion Criteria: Eligible participants will be prospective PRSS providers residing in the U.S., ages 18 and over, with at least one year of continuous sobriety. \- Exclusion Criteria: We will exclude individuals with eligibility questionnaire responses indicating: (a) an inability to read or speak English; (b) active suicidal ideation (PHQ-9, Item 9); (c) severe anxiety (GAD-7 \>15); (d) significant medical illnesses, and; (e) unable to complete the baseline assessment or unavailable for computer and telephone follow-ups over the approximately ten month study period. \-