You have likely heard the stories of how frequent relapse can be following treatment for alcohol and drugs. Although relapse is a reality for some, it does not have to be. Former clients benefit from staying connected with current clients and staff through a rehab alumni program after drug or alcohol addiction treatment concludes.
Keep reading to find out more about the rehab alumni program at Resurgence Tennessee, and learn about the many benefits of attending our facility, even after you leave!
An alumni program for a drug and alcohol treatment center is a recovery community that facilitates ongoing communication between past clients, employees, and other alums of addiction treatment programs.
Bowling evenings and 12-step meetings are just two examples of the frequent activities that rehab alumni programs use to keep their members involved and active. A former client can more readily keep in touch with their peers thanks to an alumni program and a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center.
Rehab alumni programs aim to aid in long-term recovery by giving a support network to those who have completed a treatment program. Those who participate in alumni programs are less likely to feel alone, which lowers their risk of relapse. Because rehabilitation is such a difficult and life-altering event, many people find it helpful to connect with others who have been through it via an alumni program.
The functions of rehab alumni programs vary. There is a wide variety of approaches to rehab alumni programs, from some that do not include the facility at all to those that are administered entirely by former clients. For instance, between 35 and 65 days post-recovery, some centers would reach out to alums to invite them to alumni meetings.
A variety of events and feelings can take place on the road to recovery. Throughout it all, recovery from addiction has been the primary focus.
The effects of addiction can linger even after you complete treatment, which is why it’s important to address the underlying causes of your addiction. That’s why many rehabs keep in touch with their former clients by connecting them with alumni groups. In this way, former clients can continue to get the care and assistance they need from the rehabilitation facility even after they complete rehab.
Many programs for former clients of a treatment program host exciting social gatherings to celebrate their progress and recovery in an effort to maintain relationships. The specific events change between different alumni groups, but can be any kind of sober social gathering. Some alumni programs for treatment facilities also host remote events for alums who do not reside in close proximity to the facility.
Here are some events that rehab alumni programs typically host:
The value of being able to stay connected and have a support system through an alumni team is priceless for recovering addicts.
Alumni are kept upbeat and connected to the community as they share their successes and struggles with maintaining sobriety at social gatherings. By interacting with others, group members may rediscover their value socially, prepare themselves for reintegration into their home environments, and share their own experiences and thoughts with the group. Additionally, members also receive help in developing gratitude for the simple things in life, like social support and other benefits.
The advantages of participating in various annual gatherings vary. During a client’s new life after they finish treatment, these groups help with recovery goals and provide the following support and benefits:
In certain cases, former clients might find support and keep in touch with one another via follow-ups through private Facebook groups. Former clients may check up on their friends’ recoveries and successes in these Facebook support groups. Members may upload photos of their loved ones and exciting travels, pose questions to one another, and encourage one another to live their best lives. Alumni gatherings can be conducted as early as six weeks after a graduate’s graduation or as late as many years afterward.
The support of other alumni is crucial to making progress in one’s own rehabilitation process. The following are some of the advantages of becoming involved in an alumni network:
Help you ease back into a daily routine: It can be a shock to return to everyday life after struggling with addiction and undergoing treatment. An alumni recovery group may make the time after treatment more manageable and less isolating by maintaining communication with your treatment facility and providing opportunities to engage in supportive, group-based activities.
Obtain ongoing help: There is a good chance that you’ll be able to keep in touch with the treatment facility and the people who assisted you through your program if you join a recovery group.
Gain knowledge from the experiences of others. Members of your group who have been through the recovery process themselves might provide inspiration and useful tips. Their wisdom and insight may be applied to your own path if you take the time to listen to them.
Assist others: Share what you’ve learned and what’s worked for you in your recovery group to urge others to get help or stick with their sobriety.
After completing formal treatment, members of an alumni group have the opportunity to put their newly acquired coping and relapse-prevention skills to the test in a supportive environment. These can range from the ability to deal with stress to the ability to interact with others to the ability to cope with difficult thoughts.
Successes of group members should and should be celebrated to foster a pleasant, supportive environment for all.
In-person meetings and volunteer opportunities are common ways for members of different groups to get to know one another.
Build relationships that will last a lifetime by learning from others and sharing your experience with others who can relate to your hardships and path in life. Having this kind of backing is crucial in avoiding relapse.
These types of post-treatment support groups are just one benefit we offer at Resurgence Tennessee. One of our primary areas of focus is ensuring our clients remain focused on recovery long after they exit treatment. This includes organizing alumni gatherings and working closely with family members to stay updated.
For more information on how we can help you or a loved one join our recovery family and growing group of successful alumni, contact a member of our admissions team today!