Personal growth is one of several primary outcomes of addiction treatment.
However, alcohol and substance use disorders are a lifelong journey. Personal growth must be fostered and sustained once formal treatment programs are over.
Being part of an addiction recovery alumni program is a core foundation for establishing lasting sobriety and greater well-being. Our post-addiction treatment program for alumni offers extended access to our sober support network and sober events after you complete your program to support your recovery journey.
Benefits of Addiction Recovery Alumni Programs
In research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, several studies revealed 90-day relapse rates between 65% and 70% after formal treatment.[1] In those early days after experiencing the structure and peace at an accredited treatment center, you or your loved one are significantly vulnerable.
When those built-in supports are no longer right in front of you, you need additional support to stay focused and stay the course. The addiction recovery Alumni Program at Wellbridge was specially designed based on research and evidence-based interventions to offer additional, measurable, tangible support.
Benefits of rehab alumni programs include:[2]
- Improved coping strategies: During treatment, everyone learns valuable coping skills for navigating triggers and cravings, but in the alumni recovery program, you have the opportunity to practice, improve, and grow those skills in real-time.
- Continued personal development: You’ll have additional opportunities to learn from others, try your hand at new experiences, and continue to enrich your life in meaningful ways.
- Reduced risk of relapse: There is a lower risk of relapse where there is ongoing access to accountability and support.
- Belonging to a community: You’re all on a similar journey and may have similar stories. Nothing bonds people together like shared experiences and goals.
- Access to sober and social alumni events: Rebuilding your life anew can be intimidating. Knowing you have somewhere safe to turn to for social events and activities takes the burden out of maintaining a sober lifestyle.
- Accountability and support: Your fellow alumni are a safe space in your recovery. They can be your rock of support and the arrow of accountability to help you continue on.
What To Expect During Wellbridge Alumni Programs
Our alumni groups are led by an alumni team that is equipped to aid you in your early recovery. Participating in our recovery community grants you access to so many opportunities to improve wellness and quality of life, including:
- Relapse prevention training
- Support groups
- Online groups
- Alumni meetings
- Community-based support system
- Check-ins with alumni leaders
- Alumni events, sober activities, and special outings
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Treatment Alumni Programs
How do addiction recovery alumni groups support long-term sobriety?
Never underestimate the impact of ongoing empowerment and encouragement post-treatment. In most cases, the support comes in skills training, accountability, social opportunities, practical lifestyle support, and access to an empowering sober community. Alumni groups and events range from structured meetings to recreational activities everyone will enjoy.
At Wellbridge, we emphasize physical fitness and adventure activities as part of the healing process, which continues in the alumni program.
Who can join an alumni program for alcohol addiction?
We want to help ensure a smooth transition for you as you reintegrate back into daily routines at home, at work, and in life. After completing a higher level of care at Wellbridge, you can participate in alumni groups and events to maintain support and access to resources.
What do people in recovery do for fun?
Anything you want! There are so many things in this world to enjoy that have no association with harmful substances. In New York, consider these activities:
- Walk the high line in NYC
- Tour Governor’s Island
- Take a pottery or cooking class
- Visit Socrates Sculpture Park
- Learn a new language
- Try exotic foods or track down the best pizza
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or animal shelter
- Attend a musical production
- Take a harbour cruise
- Take up pickle ball, golf, board games, or book club
Sources
[1]Sinha, R. (2011, October). New findings on biological factors predicting addiction relapse vulnerability. Current psychiatry reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674771/
[2]Stokes, M., Schultz, P., & Alpaslan, A. (2018, September 27). Narrating the journey of sustained recovery from substance use disorder – substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy. BioMed Central. https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-018-0167-0