Ethical considerations The support certified peer specialists offer must be viewed and understood in the larger context of the culture in which it takes place. Recognizing the culture in both Wisconsin and the larger peer or recovery movement is important because culture has a way of shaping and influencing the services and supports provided. Likewise, examining various aspects of culture relating to spirituality can highlight common ethical concerns encountered in peer support. Assumption of Christian faith tradition A 2014 Pew Research Center survey found that in terms of faith tradition 71% of Wisconsinites identify with some form of Christianity, 4% identify with non-Christian faiths, and 25% identify as unaffiliated (atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular). Although more than a quarter of the state does not follow a Christian faith tradition, the dominant culture in Wisconsin—and the United States more broadly—assumes Christianity as the major spiritual framework. Though it is true that most people in Wisconsin are Christian, assumptions about people’s worldviews, spiritual frameworks, and interpretation of a specific faith tradition have no place in effective peer support. The role of a certified peer specialist is to listen without judgment, approach with curiosity, ask open questions, and support self-determination. By doing these things, certified peer specialists are more likely to understand the person they are supporting, earn their trust, and avoid making hurtful or unfair assumptions. The impact and influence of 12-step groups There are aspects of the 12-step recovery model that many people find beneficial, particularly as they are just beginning to explore recovery. These may include connecting with people with similar experiences, a sense of community and safety, support from a sponsor, accountability, and a clear guide to one way of navigating recovery. The 12-step recovery model’s core beliefs of powerlessness over addiction and dependence on a higher power can have a large impact on how certified peer specialists, who have chosen this recovery path, engage with the people they are supporting. These beliefs can come into conflict with tenets of peer support including empowering people to navigate recovery and their life in a way that works best for them and engaging with spirituality in a person-centered manner.
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