Maryland is made up of both urban and rural areas, each with its own particular advantages and challenges for peers. While big towns and cities have multiple resources, in more rural parts of the state finding similar resources may be difficult. Peers play a crucial role in both types of communities by providing guidance and support, helping individuals stay connected to the recovery process despite the sometimes limited resources.
Urban
In cities, peer recovery services are often more accessible than in rural areas. The large population allows for more privacy and options when seeking help. People are more likely to find recovery communities that match their specific needs, especially if they know where to look. However, the high demand for services can also lead to long waitlists and overcrowded programs, making it difficult to receive individualized support. Navigating these resources can sometimes be overwhelming, and identifying appropriate services and finding consistent one-on-one guidance can still be a challenge.
Rural
In rural areas, peer recovery support is often harder to access due to fewer treatment providers and long distances between places where services are available. While small communities can offer strong support systems, they can also make it difficult for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. Stigma around addiction may discourage people from reaching out. Bridging the gaps are numerous organizations that support the greater peer community.
“When I started my recovery there were very few resources and it was tough to find them. They were scattered around the city. Today there are so many more, but they’re all over the place and there’s no ‘Yellow Pages’ to go look them up. Half the time you can’t Google what you want. Post-COVID so much is virtual that you’re not having the conversations with people that you had before, and that’s the way we used to find out everything. Word of mouth.”
“I’ve lived in the same rural county my whole life. Everyone knows everyone. And they know your history…it’s more personal. You’re not just a peer—you’re someone’s cousin, neighbor, classmate. People remember your low points. At first, people were watching me, like, ‘Let’s see how long she stays clean.’ But over time, they saw I was serious. Now people come up to me and say they’re proud of me. They’ve seen the change.”