“Substance Abuse and the Peer Support Role” – July 2026 Supervisors Community of Practice
June 2026 CPS & CPPS Supervisor Community of Practice
“Substance Abuse and the Peer Support Role”
with Bex Dadds
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT
Facilitator:
- Bex Dadds
Bex is a Certified Peer Support Specialist who is deeply passionate about mental health and wellness, bringing grounded lived experience to her work. With personal experience navigating mental health challenges, trauma, substance use, and complex social environments, Bex offers support rooted in authenticity, resilience, and real-world recovery. In Bex’s recovery she has found value in setting boundaries with oneself and gaining discipline through this. Bex’s recovery inspired her to become a peer support, knowing before finding CCS she walked the majority of her journey alone. She wanted others to feel support through empathy and deep understanding of what they are experiencing.
Description:
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Peer Support Specialists play a vital role in walking alongside individuals as they discover what works best for them. In this engaging 90-minute class, participants will explore how to effectively support peers living with Substance Use Disorder through a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach. Topics include practical coping skills, the unique role of peer support, and strategies for encouraging hope while honoring each person’s chosen path to recovery. We’ll also discuss the value of both anonymous recovery programs and multiple pathways, recognizing that recovery looks different for everyone, honoring our peer’s autonomy.
This class also examines the important role families and support systems play in the recovery process. Participants will gain insight into fostering healthy communication, setting appropriate boundaries, and connecting peers and their loved ones with meaningful supports. Whether you’re a new or experienced Peer Support Specialist, you’ll leave with practical tools, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to empower individuals and families on the journey toward sustained recovery.
Feedback Survey/CEH Information:
We invite you to please fill out the evaluation survey link (click here) if you attended this community of practice gathering or if you watch the recording. The survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, August 6th, 2026. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on August 13th, 2026. No evaluation surveys will be accepted for CEH credit after the evaluation survey’s closing date/time.
This website is managed and maintained by staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative. The words, views, and values presented herein are not necessarily representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
