What is the purpose of advocacy in peer support?

Advocacy in peer support is fundamentally about promoting dignity and reducing stigma for individuals in recovery. This involves actively working to ensure that people understand the value and worth of those who are in recovery, thus fostering an environment of respect. Reducing stigma entails challenging negative perceptions and stereotypes that often surround individuals who have experienced substance use issues or mental health challenges. By advocating for peers in this way, it helps to create a supportive community where individuals feel valued and empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment.

Promoting dignity also means recognizing each person's unique journey and supporting them in their recovery process, which is essential for fostering resilience and self-esteem. This is an integral component of peer support, as it aligns with the core values of dignity, respect, and empowerment that underlie effective recovery-focused practices.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the fundamental goals of advocacy in peer support. Individual gain, reducing dignity, or creating competition undermine the collaborative and supportive nature of peer relationships that advocacy seeks to build.