Rehab alumni programs form a great support network for people who complete rehab. While some will maintain relationships with people they meet in rehab, alumni networks provide opportunities to meet others who attended the same facility at different times, share experiences, and stay connected to the resources and staff that helped them in recovery. Rehab alumni programs are designed with an intention: to give an opportunity to people who finish treatment a leg up in an otherwise difficult journey.
How Rehab Alumni Programs Work
As part of a rehab alumni program, former patrons can stay connected with staff and others who completed treatment through a host of opportunities. Many programs provide events to keep people engaged such as special 12-step meetings, social outings, and other ways to connect in a sober environment. Relationships are the lynchpin to recovery. The goal of rehab alumni programs helps people maintain sobriety by providing advice, encouragement, and a place to have fun. With a network of people who have been through similar experiences, recovery is more engaging and challenges are easier to face. Many find alumni programs have value because they reduce the risk of relapse due to social isolation by bringing together people that have had specific shared experiences, even if at different times. Even when words fail, relationships tend to be the support they need to keep moving forward.
Pathways to Healing
Alumni programs offer social gatherings to encourage lasting relationships. The activities shift from place to place, but most activities are on the table. Alumni programs have coordinators who work to deliver programming that is near the treatment center but they may host remote events if there are many people in one area who desire connection. Some activities that alumni groups may do include:
- Cookouts
- Facebook alumni support
- Hiking
- Camping or nature experiences
- Volunteering
- Arts and crafts
- Support groups
- Volunteering
An Opportunity to Be of Service
Community-based activities often shape an alumni program because it is a way to give back while supporting recovery goals. In recovery, people often find volunteering a great way to share time and energy with others. When they give back, this honors the time that was spent in aid of their own recovery. Volunteering allows people to feel they have a purpose and can help others. Other benefits including gaining new skills, developing gratitude, building empathy, and feeling a sense of community. Volunteering and giving back gives us a connection to others.
Online Social Groups
People who connect online through social media groups often find encouragement and support. Social media alumni groups can track people’s birthdays, growth in recovery, and progress on other goals in their lives. Members can share their personal experiences and support one another even when they’re not able to connect through community events. Annual alumni meetings are held after graduation from the program and can be held as often as the program wants to encourage connectivity and support in their daily lives.
It is all about regaining control of one’s life in recovery. People recover at different paces and in different ways. There are treatment experts who can guide people in the right direction. Finding the right program might include looking into how they view alumni support networks and seeing how the program encourages engagement post-graduation. The benefits of an active alumni program can greatly encourage a person’s journey of healing and create a safety net for the long road ahead.
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.
