HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Orlando, Florida, USA or Virtually from your home or work.

6th Edition of Global Conference on

Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry

October 20-22, 2025 | Orlando, Florida, USA

GAB 2024

Social media as the fastest growing peer-to-peer addiction recovery program

Speaker at Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry 2024 - Adam Gunton
Recovered On Purpose, United States
Title : Social media as the fastest growing peer-to-peer addiction recovery program

Abstract:

Social media has organically evolved from its original purpose of connecting friends and family to becoming a powerful tool for addiction recovery. This speech will dive into how the addiction recovery community, along with treatment professionals, can harness the unparalleled power of social media to inspire, support, and connect individuals suffering with substance use disorder with the community and resources necessary to recover. The revolution of addiction recovery is happening online, where personal recovery stories share hope and motivation for those struggling with addiction on a scale never seen before. The impact of these narratives—shared widely through social media—cannot be overstated. Through platforms with reach to every corner and rural area of the world, individuals who might otherwise remain isolated are finding their way into supportive, understanding communities. This talk will be broken down into sections with tools and processes the audience will learn to take home and utilize in their own strategy for content and reaching more people in need of their services. The sections break down as follows:

The Power of Recovery Stories: Personal narratives shared through social media are powerful catalysts for change. These stories inspire addicts and alcoholics, showcasing real-life triumphs over adversity and the exciting times recovery brings to one’s life.
Organic Reach Potential: Social media platforms have an incredible organic reach, making it possible to touch the lives of those who may not engage with traditional recovery programs, or ever hear of them otherwise.
Simple Community Building: Finding your community has never been easier. Social media connects individuals suffering drug or alcohol addiction with others who understand their journey, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Peer Communication: Messenger services provide a private, direct line for peer communication, offering timely support, advice, and encouragement. With the right treatment resources in local areas, virtual treatment services, and nonprofit organizations to give through messenger, individuals reaching out are caught in the crucial time window for first step support.
Creating Impactful Content: Effective content creation can reach millions, engaging and motivating those seeking recovery. This segment will explore best practices for crafting resonant messages.
Case Study - Recovered On Purpose: A detailed examination of how Recovered On Purpose has successfully leveraged social media to support thousands of individuals in their recovery, showcasing practical examples and outcomes.

Audience Takeaway Notes:

  • Real life stories of people who have used social media to find recovery from substance use
  • How to create engaging content with potential for reaching thousands or more people
  • The exact communication process Recovered On Purpose uses with peers reaching out for help
  • How to build community and support people who find you on their journey to recovery

Biography:

Adam Gunton is an author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery. After overcoming addiction in 2017, Adam found his life’s purpose in helping addicts find the same freedom. His 2019 bestselling autobiography From Chains To Saved, sparked the idea for his nonprofit Recovered On Purpose: helping others in recovery share their stories. Adam has now helped publish dozens of books and hundreds share their stories with his program Recovery Speaker: Share Your Story Powerfully. With social media reaching millions online monthly, and his TEDx Talk: Relapse Prevention Failed, Adam and his teams have helped thousands find recovery.

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