Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey. Finding the right group of people to connect with can feel challenging, especially as we first leave treatment and the safety of the relationships built there. Those who share space in rehab at one point or another have that one thing in common, an alumni program seeks to connect those who shared the experience at the same program. A rehab alumni program can help some people stay clean and sober by connecting them to a wider network of practitioners, participants, and community-based activities and assist them in building the community they need about them as they trudge life’s ups and downs.
Completing Rehab
The real work in recovery begins when people leave treatment and go back to their lives. One major challenge for those newly sober is that their lives have irrevocably changed because they themselves have changed. Most things in life either look or feel different as they work to find their way back to a new order of business. When someone leaves treatment, the transition can be harrowing without support. An alumni program invites people into a shared experience with others that helps them engage with graduates of their program and find hope within the community.
Graduation to Alumni
Graduating from rehab is like graduation from college or any other program. It is filled with myriad emotions ranging from fear and anxiety to hope and pride, among many other feelings. An alumni program, offered by the treatment facility, offers a chance to reach out to former graduates and be connected to their resources. Alumni programs are safe spaces used to create a sense of community among new and former graduates. Through entry into an alumni program, the person can expect to be greeted with open arms and a list of alumni events and meetings. Typically, alumni groups:
- Connect people socially
- Engage in community volunteering activities
- Host local events or chapters
- Connect people back into resources at the treatment center for continued education and tools
When entering an alumni program, a person can choose how they wish to stay connected. This can empower them to continue working and succeeding in recovery. Alumni programs are safe spaces used to create a sense of community with new and former graduates. When entering an alumni program, sober events are created that connect everyone together. The idea is to build long-lasting relationships with one another to maintain sobriety. An alumni director can follow up with people via email, text, or phone call to make sure the people are doing well and provide support for any challenges.
Enriching Recovery
The right support and encouragement will help treatment graduates build their lives. Alumni programs provide an opportunity to stay in connection to the treatment center and staff at any part of the journey. With the right connections, a person can receive the help they need as they face different challenges in recovery. An alumni program aids someone new to recovery in building their own support network. While drug addiction treatment gives people coping skills, a support system is what will hold them up when times get tough or celebrate with them when strides are made.
Rehab is not the end of the journey, it is only the beginning. While drug addiction treatment offers coping and life skills needed to get through life, it is important to have support from people on the journey. Those who have gone before can help those who just started or feel like they are struggling. With support from other alumni, they can reach their highest potential and find hope to stay in recovery.
Ashley Addiction Treatment is an innovative treatment program located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Ashley provides support for professionals seeking help with addiction. We are able to help people with co-occurring disorders and offer confidential treatment programs to meet your needs. Please reach out to us today at 800-799-4673.