Sobriety is not the opposite of addiction: The peer specialist story | Melissa Dittberner | TEDxUSD

Peer Support and Recovery. A peer specialist is a person with lived experiences that has the expertise to help others navigate through the process of recovery based on training and their experiences. Peer support is a best practice for recovery care but is not being utilized in the ways it could be because of the stigma surrounding addiction, mental health, and recovery. As a person in long-term recovery, I have dedicated my efforts to be a voice for those who feel they cannot use theirs because they are struggling with a disease of the brain that we stigmatize so horribly as a society. I am trying hard to help people learn to help themselves, especially in the wake of the addiction crisis. Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is a lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. She has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies, and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is also a public speaker, prevention specialist, and peer support. She is the president of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer supports. Dr. Mo is a co-author of the book Shift Mindset. She does research on college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos and healing and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery and her mission is to help people learn to help themselves. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@straightupcarellc7554]

Thank you for this Dr. Mo! Increasing awareness of Peer Specialists and all they do is so important.

[@StevenWimberly-oq5kv]

Dr. Mo u are truly living n your purpose. Your story is very impactful to me. Im motivated to give back n a positive way. So Powerful!

[@Shannon-California]

thank you for enlightening me

[@stunz33d]

Love you and love this message Dr Mo Payne! You are a light in this world for many.

[@mlinternetconsultingandmar4485]

Powerful talk Dr. Dittberner! Such an inspiration.

[@faiqnet923]

You are great message to the world. Bless you for sharing.

[@faiqnet923]

Thanks too

[@wilysem]

So powerful!

[@Change_Everything]

Awesome share doc!

[@mattf1229]

Caffeine, nicotine and social media, I feel attacked right now!! 😂