Peer Support
December Peer Support Groups: Sobriety during the Holidays
Join the ECMA Sober Group on Tuesdays at 8pm during December to help navigate the holidays in the way that makes sense for you!
Groups are a confidential space for you to meet with other artists who have a shared experience to support and learn from each other.
To learn more, or to join, please reach out to wellness@ecma.com.
DECEMBER 6: HOW TO TELL FAMILY AND FRIENDS YOU ARE SOBER
You thought long and hard about your relationship with alcohol / drugs before you made the decision to be sober. How do you tell the people in your life? The holidays are often a time when people come together and celebrate, and we sometimes see people we haven’t spent time with in ages. The people in our lives love us just as we have always been. Our use may have been part of their memories. Sometimes, even changes they told us they want, or that we are proud of, are hard for them to accept. Telling your friends and family members you have decided to be sober can make them grieve the you they are used to, or can make them angry as it highlights their own alcohol and drug use. As a peer group we will share what has worked in the past, and problem solve how best to tell the people in your life that you have made this choice.
Register TodayDECEMBER 13: COPE AHEAD STRATEGIES TO MAINTAIN SOBRIETY OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Setting intention and being mindful is a great way to stick to your decision to be sober. Acknowledging situations and people who may make staying sober difficult allows you to come up with effective ideas and strategies. As a peer group, we will talk about ways to help you stick to your plan while there are a multitude of holiday parties, family gatherings, and festive gigs.
DECEMBER 20: THE GIFT OF SOBRIETY
Choosing sobriety takes a lot of dedication and intention. At times, you may have set backs, and then you reassert your commitment to living a sober life. As a peer group, we will discuss what you get out of sobriety. What are the gifts you have given yourself because of the choice you have made.
DECEMBER 27, 2022 HOLIDAY DEBRIEF
How did it go? What happened when you set the intention to be sober? Did you attend holiday gatherings, play some gigs, or spend the holidays with a small group or by yourself? As a peer group, we will discuss how it all went and what you learned about your friends, family, fans, and self.
The ECMA Peer Support program is now up and running with biweekly support groups available.
- Sobriety Support Group, 8PM on Tuesdays: If you are a musician living a sober life or want to reduce your alcohol / drug use, we welcome you to join your music industry peers in a safe and confidential space.
- Women in the Music Industry Support Group, 7PM on alternating Mondays.
- ADHD/Anxiety Support Group, 7PM on alternating Thursdays.
To learn more about any of these groups, or to join, please reach out to wellness@ecma.com.
Interested in starting a peer support group for musicians or helping out with one of the already established groups? Please reach out to wellness@ecma.com.
This project is proudly funded by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and The Province of Nova Scotia.
