Peer Specialist Program
This program was piloted in early 2024 for students at Pathways Wellness Center. An educational curriculum is presented in person by a PreventEd Certified Peer Specialist. A peer specialist is a person with lived experience who has been successful in recovery from a substance use disorder(s). Their personal experiences of these challenges provide the peer specialists with expertise that professional training cannot replicate. A Rockwood staff member is present in the room during the weekly meetings. Topics will include: Definition of a Drug, Categories of Drugs, Substance misuse/Use/Disorder, Treatment Options, Commonly Misused Substances, Brain Development, Goal-Setting, Stress, Coping Skills, and How to Talk to a friend. The content, activities, and discussions are informed by resources and evidence-base practices. This is a great opportunity for us to provide a safe space for students to feel accepted and understood, especially for students who may be using substances. This program will start at Pathways Wellness Center on October 9th from 12:45-1:45 p.m. This group will occur weekly on Wednesdays for six consecutive weeks.