Alumni Program | Alpha Behavioral Health
Having access to an alumni program is one way in which those recovering from substance use disorder and addiction can stay in recovery. These programs offer a way for individuals to find companionship, learn skills, and continue needed therapy. The presence of an alumni program also shows clients that they won’t be left to fend for themselves once treatment is completed. This assurance can be enough to encourage clients to stick with therapy as they work to recover from substance abuse and addiction. It’s especially true for Alpha Behavioral Health, whose alumni program offers not just continued support but adventure as well.
Unfortunately, not many people truly understand what goes on in an alumni program. Many people assume that it’s similar to a support group. Though an alumni program can have elements of a support group, they are more than that. It’s a program of continued connections, access to resources, volunteer opportunities, and skills training that help clients succeed post-treatment. A good example of this is the Alpha Behavioral Health alumni program, which helps teens and young adults find their place in the world.
Stay Connected Through Our Alumni Program
Here at Alpha Behavioral Health, we are not just committed to providing quality and comprehensive treatment. We also are committed to providing social, academic, and career opportunities to our clients. In this way, every client receives the whole Alpha Behavioral Health experience. This includes establishing a peer network that helps clients remain in recovery and providing safe places to meet up with said peer group. Places like the Alpha 180 Clubhouse, as part of the Alpha Launch program, provide such an environment. With nightly dinners, recovery meetings, and outpatient services, it’s a premier place to socialize with fellow peers.
The Importance of Alumni Programs in Recovery
Perhaps the most important aspect of an alumni program is the ability to forge lifelong connections. Addiction is an isolating condition. Those struggling with conditions such as alcohol or opioid use disorder may face life-long complications as a result of their substance abuse. Though a person can heal from the damage these substances can inflict on the mind and body, there are lingering effects that can still be present even with the help of therapy.
Clients may still experience cravings during specific triggers or live with conditions such as opioid-induced adrenal insufficiency. Having peers who understand what you are going through can reduce stress and provide a means of support as you continue to heal. Building meaningful relationships within the alumni community helps clients when they are struggling by making sure they don’t slip through the cracks. The connections that are maintained beyond treatment are a way to keep oneself accountable for the choices one makes. When a person is not alone, they are more likely to avoid situations that may trigger a relapse. Consistent and healthy communication also boosts mental and physical health, helping clients to actively work towards a better life.
Life in Recovery: Meetings and Events
Alumni programs are rarely boring. Something new and exciting is planned or organized on a near-weekly basis. For many alumni programs, several events and meetings occur during the week to help specific groups of alumni. As an example, those recovering from alcohol abuse may attend a support meeting on Mondays, while those recovering from opioid use disorder meet on Tuesdays. These recovery groups are what sometimes confuse alumni programs with support groups. It allows for the same level of support but will have professionals or experienced alumni at the head. Recovery groups also allow alumni and clients to still participate in needed therapy and treatment, such as individual counseling.
Alumni programs are not all work and no play. There are plenty of fun sober community events that alumni and clients can participate in. These events are designed to give people something fun to look forward to as a means to further support their sobriety. Events can range from volunteer opportunities to participating in a mock bowling tournament. Some events are even adventurous through the Transitional Living program, with clients participating in everything from white water rafting to cliff diving. Other events can be more relaxed, such as community meals, study groups, and simply time to hang out. From adventure to a relaxed evening, the alumni program will have your needs covered.
Stay Engaged With Our Alumni Network
Idle hands can be dangerous for those in recovery. When people get bored, they may look for things to fill up their time, such as substance abuse. Staying engaged allows alumni and clients to fulfill the need to make a positive mark on the world. This boosts self-esteem and courage while also giving back to the community.
Volunteer Opportunities That Empower Your Recovery
There are always people in need of help. Volunteering helps those who may feel lost or misunderstood. This need to help can be fulfilled by becoming a mentor in the alumni program. Mentors help clients currently in treatment and recovery by providing understanding, companionship, and advice. Some may even go on to sponsor new alumni, taking them under their wing to help them in their new sober lives. Such mentors are invaluable in helping new alumni adjust to life outside of treatment and prevent relapse.
There is a lot an individual can do to help others. Volunteering in shelters, cleaning up public areas, and helping with fundraising events are but a few ideas on how alumni can give back to their community. The alumni program will often have planned volunteer events that all alumni are welcome to participate in. Those with volunteer ideas are always welcome to speak with staff to add their ideas, especially if there is a cause they are particularly passionate about.
Volunteer work is not just a method to give back to the community or assist new alumni in recovery. It also helps the participating individual to be aware of how much good they can do, proud of what they have accomplished, and grateful for their recovery journey. As such, volunteering is always an important aspect of the alumni program at Alpha Behavioral Health.
Share Your Story in Our Alumni Program
Speaking about your experiences is an important way to inspire other alumni and clients still in recovery that healing is possible. Many clients still in treatment look to alumni as a beacon of hope, so alumni spend time sharing their stories with their fellow peers. Through testimonials, anyone can see that though addiction recovery can be hard, anyone can find true healing.
Continue to Grow With Our Alumni Program
The alumni program at Alpha Behavioral Health is used as a tool to help alumni find their place in the world. Our client base is teens and young adults at an age where they are learning how to be healthy adults. Providing a place where alumni can learn valuable life skills to help them on the road to adulthood serves several purposes. It reduces the stress and strain that comes with having to figure everything out by themselves. As a result, alumni can make healthy choices and avoid substance abuse.
Personal Development Workshops Available for Alumni
Though workshops vary depending on availability, there are a few that are considered staples for alumni at Alpha Behavioral Health. These workshops are designed to teach skills that alumni can use at school, work, and at home. Some of these workshops are:
- Executive function coaching to help alumni stay motivated and take initiative in their continued recovery
- Life skills development to help alumni have healthy homes and relationships
- Academic support for alumni pursuing secondary education or are looking to finish their current level of education
- Career coaching to help alumni create resumes, seek employment and remain employed
Specific skill workshops are available depending on personal interest. Alumni who want to learn everything from cooking a healthy meal to budgeting their finances wisely can find assistance from the alumni program.
Get Involved With Your Alumni Program
Alumni at Alpha Behavioral Health are always encouraged to get involved with the alumni program. This program is mostly run by experienced older alumni. As such, it relies on the participation of interested alumni to drive the program forward. Though alumni are assisted by Alpha Behavioral Health staff and professionals, it’s the alumni who help plan events.
Ways to Give Back to the Community
Alumni commonly give back to the community through mentorship and sponsorship of clients and new alumni. These relationships give clients a mentor who understands what it’s like to recover from addiction and help them remain in recovery post-treatment. Alumni also participate in volunteer opportunities to improve their community, uplifting the people involved and ensuring a safe and healthy environment. From building houses to handing out warm clothing, there is always something alumni can do to help their community thrive.
Form Bonds With Peers in Our Alumni Program
Humans are social beings who require genuine connections for a healthy mind and spirit. Recovering from conditions such as alcohol or opioid use disorder can feel isolating and cause people to withdraw. The alumni program prevents this by providing strong peer bonds and companionship through alumni events and mentorship. Our clubhouse is such a place where these bonds can be formed, providing a safe and sober place for alumni and clients to hang out. These bonds make a positive difference in preventing relapse and encouraging the de-stigmatization of substance use disorder and addiction.
Joining Committees for Event Planning and Outreach
As mentioned before, alumni are the heart and soul of the alumni program. Events don’t happen without the direct involvement of alumni. Interested alumni are free to join alumni committees dedicated to organizing events, volunteer opportunities, and outreach workshops. Alumni who love to organize and make plans do a lot of good in alumni committees, ensuring that current and future alumni can participate in events that will be talked about for years.
Recovery Support Anytime and Anywhere
With the age of the internet, staying connected has never been easier. Easy access to telehealth services and digital support groups allows alumni to get quick help when needed with a few simple clicks. Alpha Behavioral Health chat rooms give alumni a way to stay in touch with their support network no matter where they are going. No matter the time, place, or situation, help is always available on your smartphone or computer. This access to 24/7 support means that no alumni is ever truly alone, no matter how difficult recovery gets.
Getting Started With Alpha Behavioral Health
It’s easier than ever to get help for substance use disorder, addiction, and other co-occurring mental health disorders. Staff members are always standing by, ready to answer questions and verify information. Though it may feel hopeless now, there is always a solution. It simply requires you to reach out for help and accept it.
Once you receive treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health in Austin, TX, you will always be part of a greater sober community. To learn more about our alumni events and programs, call (833) 257-4218 today.