Peer-to-peer recovery programs this week received a total of $9.8 million in grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Seven Recovery Support Services grants were made to community-based groups designed to prevent relapse and promote long-term addiction recovery. "Peer recovery support services are expected to extend and enhance the treatment continuum," said SAMHSA acting deputy administrator and assistant Surgeon General Eric Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H.

"These grants will help prevent relapse and maximize the opportunities to create a lifetime of recovery and wellness for self, family, and community. And, when individuals do experience relapse, recovery support services can help minimize the negative effects and if needed make sure there is an appropriate referral to treatment."

Grantees included the Pima Prevention Partnership in Tucson, which received $350,000 to recruit and train a 10-member peer-recovery leaders group; the Tohono O'odham Nation in Sells, Ariz., which got $350,000 for a comprehensive, tribe-wide peer-to-peer program; Recovery Consultants of Atlanta ($350,000); the National Alliance of Methadone Advocates in New York City ($349,998); the Center for Community Alternatives in Syracuse, N.Y. ($350,000), the Oklahoma CART System in Oklahoma City ($350,000); and the El Paso Alliance in El Paso, Texas ($350,000).