Youth Recovery Coaches Share Their Work at Maine Opioid Response Summit

Adapted from an article contributed by Alexa Eisworth, Youth Recovery Coach, Washington County

Healthy Acadia’s Youth Recovery Coach Program participated in Gov. Janet Mills’ eighth annual Opioid Response Summit, held July 16 in Bangor. This year’s theme, “Hope, Healing and Connection,” brought together recovery professionals, health care providers, community organizations and people with lived experience from across Maine to share innovative approaches to addressing substance use and supporting recovery.

The Youth Recovery Coach team presented “Healthy Acadia’s Youth Recovery Coach Program in Action,” highlighting the important role Youth Recovery Coaches play in supporting young people as they navigate recovery. The presentation explored the program’s growth across multiple counties and how youth-centered, relationship-based support can help young people build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.

A key focus of the presentation was elevating the voices of young people served by the program. The team shared direct feedback from youth participants, offering an authentic look at the challenges young people face and the impact recovery coaching can have on their lives. These personal reflections showed how individualized support, trust, and connection can help young people work toward their goals and sustain their recovery.

The session also included an interactive exercise modeled after an activity Youth Recovery Coaches commonly use with young people. The exercise encouraged participants to reflect, share ideas, and connect with one another while experiencing the engaging, strengths-based approach coaches use in their work with youth.

The presentation highlighted the Youth Recovery Coach Program’s commitment to expanding access to recovery support for young people across Maine. By building relationships, honoring young people’s strengths, and providing individualized support, Youth Recovery Coaches help young people find hope, build resilience, and create meaningful connections that support their recovery and well-being.