Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Exam 2026: Complete Q&A – SAMHSA Dimensions, Ethics, Trauma-Informed Care | Graded A+ | Guaranteed Pass

HSER 350 / COUN 620 | Peer Recovery Specialist Exam 2026 | SAMHSA Dimensions & Ethics | 150+ Q&As Description: NEW FOR 2026 – THE MOST COMPLETE PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST EXAM PREP ON STUVIA This document contains 150+ exam-style questions and 100% verified answers covering EVERY domain of the Peer Recovery Specialist / Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) certification exam: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS Recovery defined (SAMHSA): process of change improving health, wellness, self-directed life 4 Dimensions of Recovery (SAMHSA): Health, Home, Purpose, Community – KNOW THESE 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery: Hope, person-driven, many pathways, holistic, peer-supported, relationships, culturally-based, respect, trauma-informed, family/community strengths 8 Dimensions of Wellness (SAMHSA): Emotional, Financial, Social, Spiritual, Occupational, Physical, Intellectual, Environmental PEER SUPPORT ROLES & BOUNDARIES What a Peer Recovery Specialist IS: Ally, confidant, motivator, cheerleader, role model, truth teller, problem solver, resource broker, advocate What a Peer Recovery Specialist is NOT: Therapist, case manager, nurse/doctor, sponsor, clergy – "Stay in Your Lane" 4 Types of Support: Emotional, Informational, Instrumental (tangible), Affiliational (relationships) Ethical Guidelines: No money/gifts, no dating/socializing, no sharing personal contact info, avoid dual roles Confidentiality Limits: Duty to protect (self-harm) + Duty to warn (harm to others) Boundary violation example: Accepting an expensive gift from a peer TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE What to do when trauma comes up: Listen without judgment, offer empathy, don't give therapy, talk to supervisor, follow emergency protocol Trauma-Informed Approach: Shifts from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" 6 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care: Safety, Trustworthiness/transparency, Peer support, Collaboration/mutuality, Empowerment/voice/choice, Cultural/historical/gender considerations Iatrogenic: Actions with best intentions that result in harm STAGES OF CHANGE (Transtheoretical Model) Precontemplation: Unaware or unwilling to change, views behavior as positive Contemplation: Aware and considering change, weighs pros/cons Preparation: Getting ready, intending to change soon Action: Actively making changes, modifying attitudes Maintenance: Sustaining changes 6+ months, relapse prevention Relapse: Returning to earlier stage – always possible Stage of change model does NOT include: Evaluation MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING (MI) Definition: Client-centered approach for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change O.A.R.S.: Open-Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflective Listening, Summarizing Key principles: Change is up to the person, express empathy, develop discrepancy, avoid arguments, roll with resistance, support self-efficacy Self-Efficacy: Person's confidence they can solve problems and make changes successfully on their own CULTURAL COMPETENCE Definition: Ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds To increase cultural competence: Understand own worldview, recognize differences, examine biases, be open to different views of health/illness/recovery Cultural capital: Values, beliefs, attitudes that support recovery WELLNESS & RECOVERY PLANS Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP): Structured approach for mental health challenges Wellness plan components: Personal statement, short/long-term goals, daily/weekly action plans, wellness toolbox, triggers/warning signs, support system list, stress management, crisis plan Benefits of action planning: Individualized, concrete guidance, improves communication, provides hope and control STAGES OF RECOVERY (Long-term) Stabilization (1st year) Deepening (2nd year) Connectedness (3-5 years) Integration (6-10 years) Fulfillment (10+ years) FACILITATING SUPPORT GROUPS DO's: Restate, ask clarifying questions, redirect, reflect, validate, summarize, share feelings DON'Ts: Dominate, preach/lecture, tell what to do, run therapy, be judgmental Ground rules: Share the air, one person speaks at a time, confidentiality, equal, "I" language, OK not to share CRISIS & DE-ESCALATION Crisis definition: Behavior poses harm risk (suicidal thoughts, acute psychosis) De-escalation techniques: Active listening, maintain personal space, calm/clear communication, empathy/validation, set boundaries, problem-solving Triggering: Story details causing distress by evoking negative emotions RECOVERY CAPITAL & KEY TERMS Recovery capital: Internal/external resources to initiate and sustain recovery Mutuality: "We're in this together" – both partners learn together Fiduciary relationship: High level of trust and responsibility between coach and recoveree Multiple pathways to recovery: Clinical treatment, peer support, self-help, faith-based, holistic, community involvement PLUS: Stigma definition, empathy barriers (interrupting, faking understanding, rushing), effective listening tips, self-care for burnout prevention, informed consent, advocacy, resource linkage, empowerment, and MORE. 100% verified answers – graded A+ guaranteed. Perfect for: NCPRS (National Certified Peer Recovery Specialist), CRPS (Certified Recovery Peer Specialist), CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist), NAADAC certification, IC&RC peer certification, addiction counseling, human services, community mental health.