Brian Carmody
Peer Recovery Advocate
RECOVER YOURSELF
Support and Encouragement to Action for People Living with Addiction
ADDICTION:
A COMPLEX CONDITION, A BRAIN DISEASE THAT IS MANIFESTED BY COMPULSIVE SUBSTANCE USE
DESPITE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES
If you are struggling with substance use disorder—whether with alcohol, drugs, or both—recovery offers a way out. It’s a chance to reclaim your life and break free from the chaos that results from self-destructive behaviors.
There is more than one path to recovery; the key is finding what works for you. Patience is essential, as is understanding that addiction is a real disease with serious consequences if left untreated. These consequences may be obvious—like totaling a car, losing a job or relationship, or causing harm to others. But they can also manifest as deep emotional pain, including depression, rage, and a crippling lack of self-worth.
Is recovery easy? Not always, but it is the antidote to a life destabilized by dependency and addiction. Many who embrace recovery find renewed hope, stronger relationships, and a sense of purpose that transforms their lives.
RECOVER:
TO REGAIN SOMETHING LOST
OR GIVEN AWAY
What is a Peer Recovery Advocate and
How Can Partnering With One Help You?
A Peer Recovery Advocate is someone with lived experience and specialized training who provides non-clinical support to individuals new to recovery or those refocusing on recovery after a return to use. With long-term experience navigating life without substances, an effective Peer Recovery Advocate can support, guide, and mentor you as you work to rebuild your life.
By supplementing the work of therapists, caseworkers, support groups, and spiritual practitioners, a Peer Recovery Advocate offers personalized, one-on-one support that can make a critical difference—helping you feel connected rather than untethered and alone. Together, we will develop and implement recovery plans, cultivate healthy life skills, establish accountability agreements, and strengthen relationships. This support can make the transition away from substance use and harmful behaviors less overwhelming and more sustainable.
Below are examples of the services I offer as a Peer Recovery Advocate. If your specific need is not listed, please reach out so we can explore how I can best support you in your recovery.
Transport escort to and from detox and rehab facilities, medical appointments, family, work, and social events, 12 Step meetings, etc.
Regular face-to-face progress-tracking meetings to acknowledge successes, address problem areas and map out next steps.
Assistance in navigating providers/facilities covered by insurance plan, or if uninsured, help in locating state-funded treatment options, or facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Phone/Zoom/FaceTime check-ins when non-clinical issues arise, and therapists, doctors, caseworkers, are unavailable. Check-ins can also be scheduled to take place on a regular basis between face-to-face meetings.
Development and implementation of recovery plans tailored to individual needs and goals, as well as verbal and written exercises designed to stimulate recoveree into new ways of thinking about self and health.
Check-ins with therapists, caseworkers, doctors, parole officers, etc., if requested by recoveree.
Consistent contact with a designated partner, friend, or family member while recoveree is in detox or treatment facility when requested by recoveree.
Referrals to qualified therapists, nutritionists, fitness specialists, acupuncturists, massage therapists and other health and wellness professionals.
ABOUT ME
I have many years of uninterrupted recovery and have earned my CRPA-P (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) certification for New York and Connecticut, as well as Peer Recovery certification in Ohio. I worked for Addiction Services for the City of Columbus, where I engaged directly with the public, educating on the use of Narcan and drug test strips and linking in-need community members to appropriate agency partners.
My personal experience includes individual and group therapy, contemplative retreats, and creative workshops. Additionally, I am a published author and have contributed to The New York Times Magazine and other publications.
As a Peer Recovery Advocate, my role is to listen to you and help you recognize the barriers holding you back. Together, we will identify the necessary steps to reduce or eliminate destructive behaviors, and I will support you as you take action and move forward.
I understand that changing behavior can feel overwhelming, sometimes leading to inaction or doubt. However, I believe that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, I am here to help.
REACH OUT
I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can work together to strengthen your recovery or the recovery of a loved one.
"Studies demonstrate improved relationships with providers and social supports, increased satisfaction with the treatment experience overall, reduced rates of relapse, and increased retention in treatment. It is clear that peer support services can provide a valuable approach to guiding consumers as they strive to achieve and maintain recovery."
-Peer Recovery Support for Individuals With Substance Use Disorders: Assessing the Evidence
Sharon Reif, Ph.D., Lisa Braude, Ph.D., D. Russell Lyman, Ph.D., Richard H. Dougherty, Ph.D., Allen S. Daniels, Ed.D., Sushmita Shoma Ghose, Ph.D., Onaje Salim, Ed.D., L.P.C., and Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D.
FAQ
How do I know that you and your services are right for me?
Before we begin working together, we’ll schedule a complimentary introductory call to discuss your needs and goals. This conversation allows us both to determine if our approach aligns and if we can work together effectively.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule a one-hour in-person session. Please note that payment for this session is required at the time of scheduling. The session fee will be discussed during our introductory call.
Will you keep me clean and sober?
Your recovery is ultimately your choice. My role is to support and guide you as you navigate this journey. Together, we’ll identify patterns or behaviors that may be holding you back and explore what a life with reduced substance use—or without substances—looks like for you. Our work is goal-focused and forward-looking, distinct from therapy. We begin where you are now and work toward the life you envision.
Throughout this process, I may suggest reading materials, discussion videos, or brief writing exercises to deepen our conversations. My focus is on helping you strengthen your resolve and develop healthier choices over self-defeating ones.
What happens if I drink or use while we are working together?
I am here to support you, not judge you. Change is challenging, and setbacks can happen. While a return to use is not taken lightly, I understand that it may be part of the process. If it does happen, our work will continue as long as you remain committed to learning from the experience and moving forward in your recovery.
Together, we will explore what led to the setback and how you can use those insights to strengthen your journey. My goal is to help you build resilience and develop strategies that support long-term change.
How often will we meet, how long is a session, and where will we meet?
The frequency of our meetings depends on your goals, needs, and schedule. Sessions typically last one hour, but longer sessions can be arranged if needed.
We can meet in a location where you feel comfortable—whether that’s your home, office, a park, a coffee shop, or another private space. Additionally, I am available to accompany you to and from detox and rehab facilities, medical appointments, family or work events, social gatherings, and 12-Step meetings.
Do you take insurance? How do you accept payment?
Currently, most insurance plans do not cover Peer Recovery Advocate services. Payment is accepted via Venmo or another mobile payment app to make the process simple at the end of each session. Please note that payment for the first session is required at the time of scheduling.
What if I am not in NYC?
If you're outside the New York City area, we can easily arrange virtual meetings if that option works for you. Your recovery is a priority, and I’m here to support you, no matter where you are.
If you have any other questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.