Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

What is an appropriate response from a Peer Support Specialist when someone shares they attended their first sobriety support group?

1. Downplay the importance of the group

2. Acknowledge the effort and share a personal experience about finding a supportive group

3. Suggest they may need to attend a different group

4. Question their commitment to recovery

The correct answer is: Acknowledge the effort and share a personal experience about finding a supportive group

Acknowledging the effort of someone who has attended their first sobriety support group is crucial in providing supportive and empathetic care. This response reinforces the significance of the individual’s step toward recovery and validates their courage in seeking support. Sharing a personal experience about finding a supportive group can help create a connection and foster trust, demonstrating that the path to recovery often involves community and shared experiences. This approach encourages the individual to open up further, and it may empower them to continue participating in their recovery journey. It’s also essential because it highlights the importance of seeking help and shows that overcoming challenges is possible with support. In contrast, downplaying the importance of the group would undermine their achievement and discourage them from continuing their journey. Suggesting they may need to attend a different group could create feelings of inadequacy or doubt about their choices. Questioning their commitment to recovery would likely make them feel defensive and less likely to engage openly about their experiences. Each of these responses would detract from the supportive, positive environment that is essential in peer support relationships.