Compassion Over Judgment: Peer Support & the Harm Reduction Model

Exploring Harm Reduction as a Pathway to Connection, Safety, and Change

Compassion Over Judgment: Peer Support & the Harm Reduction Model is a 4-hour interactive training designed for individuals pursuing the Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential. This session explores the science of substance use and addiction, the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and the impact of social determinants of health on risk and access to care. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of harm reduction as both a public health strategy and a human-centered approach to peer support. Through data, discussion, and practical application, peers will strengthen their capacity to support individuals in any stage of recovery using compassionate, evidence-based practices that promote safety, dignity, and self-determination.

Learning Objectives

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• Define addiction, substance use disorder, and physical dependence, and identify their key distinctions.

• Describe how ACEs and social determinants of health influence substance use and reduce access to care.

• Explain the principles and goals of harm reduction and why they matter in peer support work.

• Recognize common harm reduction strategies and services, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

• Apply trauma-informed and person-first language when supporting individuals who use drugs.