Happy Holidays from the Peer Support Team at Rimrock! Our peer support specialists are an integral part of our treatment team. They share lived experience and recovery-based lifestyles, offering non-clinical assistance to help others achieve long-term recovery from mental health, physical health, substance use and addiction issues. Peer support specialists are specifically trained to assist others in initiating recovery, maintaining recovery and enhancing the quality of personal and family life in long-term recovery.
Our peer support team has years of real life experience in navigating the holidays in recovery and are glad to share their tips for enjoying the holidays in recovery.
Andy M – Peer Support Specialist
“Make sure to take time for self-care and enjoy some alone time, but guard against isolating. Stay connected to others in recovery and be courageous about reaching out – if not just for yourself, but to lift up others in recovery too.”
Annette R – Peer Support Specialist
“Stay connected with people who support your recovery!!! Do things that fill your cup and make you happy!”
Mandy N – Peer Support Specialist
“Give yourself permission to be a priority. Many times our desire to be present for our family / friends overshadows our own needs. The spirit of giving does not mean that we have to give more than we have the capacity to and endanger ourselves.”
- It is absolutely acceptable to say no, gracefully, to invitations for get-together and events that make you uncomfortable. If you know that there will be alcohol / drugs available at the event or if toxic people will be there, you can say, “Thank you so much for the invitation and for thinking of me, but I won’t be able to attend.” You can elaborate more if you would like to, but you aren’t required to. No is a complete answer.
- Don’t go it alone! If you are planning to attend an event or get-together and you are unsure or uneasy about it, take someone with strong recovery with you. Having a like-minded individual with you for support and accountability can make a world of difference.
- Have a plan and leave yourself an out. If you do go it alone, make a plan in advance. Talk to a friend in recovery or sponsor about the signs that signal it’s a good time to leave. Make a plan to call that person if you get triggered or feel uncomfortable and follow through with it.
- Do safe and sober things that you enjoy with people that you enjoy! Don’t get so caught up in the stress of the holidays that you forget to enjoy them. It’s okay to say no to things and people that don’t bring you safety, comfort, and joy and to say yes to the things and people that do (even if those things and people are outside of your family and traditions).
- There are lots of fun and sober holiday parties and get-togethers within the 12 step communities (AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, PAR, etc.) that will be safe and welcoming if you are feeling alone or don’t have family or supportive friends. You don’t have to be alone on the holidays!
If you need support this holiday season, we are here to help! Our Peer Support Specialists and entire Rimrock team are available if you need support for yourself, or a friend or loved one.
