The Benefits of Joining an Alumni Network Post Addiction Recovery

Having a Support System is an Imperative Part of Long-Term Sobriety

It’s important that if you are a recovering addict who has just completed a treatment program, whether inpatient or outpatient, that you utilize alumni programs that are offered. Alumni networks can help provide the necessary support and motivation that is crucial to your sobriety. Ongoing positive reinforcement surrounding recovery will set the foundation for successful long-lasting abstinence from substance abuse and addiction.

Top Reasons to Join an Alumni Program

Typically, those who have successfully gone through and completed the entire treatment program that was designed for them will be invited to join a recovery alumni group. Here, recovering addicts just like you will enjoy recreational activities and outings on a regular basis while also incorporating aftercare treatment and programming.

Some of the main reasons why joining an Alumni program is advantageous are:

• Provide tools that will allow for a seamless transition to everyday life
• Connect you with a community of recovering addicts
• Give continuous individual and group support
• Access to relapse prevention programs and educational workshops
• Extend much-needed encouragement and hope
• Surrounded by individuals who have the same goal in mind as yourself
• Learn new life skills and behavioral tactics to help you manage triggers

The great thing about alumni programs is that you get to be in charge of how involved you want to be. Some individuals attend alumni briefings several times per week while others prefer bi-weekly participation. The decision is solely up to you.

Alumni Organizations: A Vehicle for Lifelong Sobriety

Keeping graduates of addiction recovery programs engaged and wanting to sustain their sobriety is the ultimate goal of alumni organizations. The more engaged individuals are in the post-recovery programs, the less likely they are to relapse in the future.

Alumni organizations also provide sober social gathers and engagements where individuals can cultivate friendships with others in recovery. The settings are typically held off of the treatment center grounds and can range in everything from bowling and volleyball to picnics and barbeques. The sober events further reiterate that fun and enjoyment can be had without the aid of harmful substances such as drugs or alcohol.

An Effective Way to Conquer Addiction

Addiction is a relapsing disease which means it needs consistent support and treatment in order to be properly managed. Alumni programs offer the sort of steady and stable reinforcement that will aid in the management of your sobriety.

Finding comfort in others who are going through similar struggles as yourself help to solidify the fact that you are not alone in this pursuit for long-lasting recovery from addiction. By establishing meaningful relationships with fellow recovering addicts who understand first-hand what sort of struggles you have gone through will help to ease the transition into ‘real life’ and help you overcome challenges as it relates to the road to recovery.

During individuals time in their respective alumni program, they will experience a large focus on relapse prevention strategies and methods of maintaining a sober lifestyle. It is far too easy to fall back into the stronghold of addiction as this disease is chronic in nature. Through being provided tools that will allow you to help manage triggers and cravings, you will feel more confident and comfortable re-entering society.

Alumni programs can offer you invaluable knowledge and assistance on how to sustain your sobriety for the rest of your life. The first year post-treatment is the most crucial time as this is when you are most vulnerable in your recovery. Relapse is sometimes experienced during the first year after treatment has been completed which is why it is so important to have adequate support at your leisure throughout this crucial year.

Long-Term Recovery is attainable with the assistance of addiction alumni networks. Learning to sustain this new life of sobriety comes with its fair share of hurdles. Allow an alumni program to help you navigate your new life and see how sobriety can open up new doors for you.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.