As many people who have gone through addiction recovery programs can attest, addiction is a lifelong condition. No matter how long a person has abstained from a substance, the wrong conditions can lead to a relapse. That is why it is so critical that former clients of addiction recovery centers be given support tools that continue beyond the treatment center experience.
In an alumni program, former clients receive ongoing support. They can connect with others in recovery, help individuals who are new to sobriety, and learn more about addiction.
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Alumni Programs Offer Ongoing Support
One key to successfully beating addiction is entering a program based on sustainable recovery. In addition to any medical treatments to aid the dependence and withdrawal symptoms, the best programs also address addiction and behavioral issues. Taking this approach from the beginning of treatment makes it more likely that the client is ready for the long journey to recovery.
After going through a drug addiction treatment program, many individuals choose to stay connected with their treatment center by joining an alumni program. Ongoing support even after a formal treatment program can make sobriety more sustainable.
In an alumni program, you can expect:
- Access to a network of other alumni
- Ongoing therapy sessions with experienced counselors
- Opportunities to give back to the community
- Education about addiction and recovery
Living with an addiction requires building life-affirming survival tips that can help people avoid the traps that lead to addiction in the first place. For example, substance abuse is often the result of self-medication taken for mental or emotional issues. In these cases, some individuals may need coping mechanisms or treatment for other disorders in order to prevent continuing self-medication efforts. Other clients may need tips on avoiding or standing up to peer pressure.
Providing individuals with tips for living a sober life is an important step in the addiction treatment process. Alumni programs continue the positive reinforcement and encourage success beyond the stay in the facility itself.
Addressing Family Issues After Treatment
For many people, addiction happens as a result of family conditions. Even after residential treatment program success, returning to those same conditions can result in relapse. Many individuals have isolated friends and family members as a result of their addiction, leaving only a social circle of negative influences. For these people, sustainable recovery means properly understanding the negative influences and behaviors that can lead to a relapse. Alumni programs can help them to retain what they learned and continue reinforcing positive and healthy relationships.
The Importance of Aftercare
For some individuals, the environment inside the addiction treatment program is much more conducive to sobriety than everyday life. That is why it is critical that alcohol addiction treatment programs include mechanisms to help the former client manage addiction risks for an extended time. Providing resources for family counseling, mental health treatment, or group therapy programs can help to contribute sober living tips and address family catalysts. This more holistic treatment approach can ensure long-term success.
How Alumni Programs Can Help
Community support programs offer the most powerful aftercare tools that addiction treatment programs can employ. As the client moves through the addiction center’s programming, they can facilitate connections to programs in the client’s intended community. Addiction support groups, group discussion, and individual counseling programs can all help the client remain on the path to recovery. Introducing clients to the members of mutual help programs can also provide a more healthy group of potential friends and associates.
Alumni Programs at Ethan Crossing
Addictions are not built overnight. Alumni resources can help you take the best road to long-term recovery. Call Ethan Crossing today at 833.691.0736 to learn more about our alumni program.