A peer change agent's primary goal is to change what?

The primary goal of a peer change agent is to change beliefs. This is rooted in the understanding that beliefs greatly influence behavior, decision-making, and overall recovery journeys. By challenging and reframing negative or limiting beliefs, peer change agents can empower individuals to foster a more positive mindset, which can lead to transformative changes in their lives.

When individuals shift their beliefs about themselves and their circumstances, they often feel more hopeful and motivated to engage in recovery processes. This aligns with the fundamental principles of peer support, where lived experience is leveraged to support others in similar situations, focusing on instilling hope and encouraging positive change.

In contrast, while habits, physical health, and social interactions are indeed important aspects of recovery, they are often secondary to belief change. Positive habit formation, for instance, often emerges when one has shifted their beliefs. Similarly, improvements in physical health and social interactions can follow from a foundational change in beliefs, illustrating why belief transformation is critical for sustained recovery success.