Everyone needs purpose and meaning in their lives. Recovery from substance abuse involves addressing these needs by focusing on ongoing personal growth. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “ Personal development focuses on different ways you can grow in different areas of your life.” Alumni services motivate people to continue moving forward in their recovery after completing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Experts at The Guest House help clients develop a mindset to support ongoing personal growth and healing.
Alumni Services Support Ongoing Personal Growth
After treatment ends, many people benefit from referrals and services at The Guest House. Receiving ongoing support can lead to personal growth through skill development and a chance to make healthier decisions. Those who receive support have more success with building healthy routines. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Developing healthier routines and habits in our lives can lead to positive feelings” and better overall health.
Some of the alumni support services at The Guest House include the following:
- Regular check-ins with the clinical team
- Referrals to private and community-based resources
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Community events, workshops, and activities
Through The Guest House, alumni can also participate in volunteer activities or mentor individuals new to recovery. How people perceive themselves in relation to others affects mental health. Alumni who volunteer and provide services to others in the sober community often report experiencing more profound personal growth and feeling more confident in their abilities.
Healing From the Effects of Substance Abuse and Rebuilding Your Life
Chronic substance abuse impacts many areas of a person’s life. Recovery involves reclaiming control by pursuing healing and personal growth. Rebuilding relationships and developing balance in everyday life help alumni reduce the risk of relapse and improve their quality of life.
Community-based self-help groups are excellent sources of motivation, support, and encouragement during ongoing recovery. Many alumni benefit from participating in group meetings. According to the VA, “Recovery-oriented mutual self-help groups can aid recovery from substance use disorders … and facilitate personal growth through self-exploration and peer support.” The clinical team offers referrals for and information about local group meetings.
Everyone has different goals and expectations for long-term recovery from substance abuse. Rebuilding a life after chronic substance abuse may involve doing the following:
- Going back to school or beginning a new career
- Developing relationships and healthy social groups
- Becoming a more supportive family member or friend
- Making more mindful decisions in everyday life
- Becoming physically fit and healthy
- Regaining financial stability
Overcoming alcohol or drug addiction and managing mental health symptoms allows people to explore opportunities and discover new interests. Most alumni have multiple post-treatment goals. The Guest House offers ongoing support and resources to help alumni achieve those goals and create a more meaningful life.
Support Ongoing Personal Growth Through Meaningful Activities and Goals
Setting realistic goals and engaging in meaningful activities can support a positive mindset. Using the skills learned during treatment in real-world situations builds confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. In addition, achieving goals improves mental health by rewarding positive behaviors. People in recovery significantly benefit from participating in hobbies, community events, and other activities supporting peer engagement and personal growth.
Creating Purpose and Fulfillment in Recovery
Many individuals feel a need to create more purpose and meaning in their lives. According to the American Journal of Health Promotion, “A sense of purpose in life … is viewed as a central component of well-being and refers to the extent that people see their lives as having meaning, a sense of direction, and goals.” Finding positive ways to interact with others encourages people in recovery to develop essential life skills.
Some of the ways people create purpose during treatment and ongoing recovery include the following:
- Volunteering for local programs and organizations
- Becoming part of a mentorship or sponsor relationship
- Spending additional time with loved ones and developing deeper connections
The Guest House encourages clients and alumni to join the sober community and discover engaging and healthy activities. Alumni can support current clients at meetings and community events, providing additional support and helping them navigate early recovery.
Support Ongoing Personal Growth at The Guest House
Addiction recovery and mental health experts at The Guest House understand the importance of continuing to pursue meaningful activities through personal growth and social connections. Clinicians support alumni in their journey of self-discovery by offering guidance, information, and encouragement.
During treatment, clients collaborate closely with the care team to create comprehensive aftercare plans before the transition into continuing care. This ensures that alumni have the tools and resources to maintain positive mental health and progress in recovery.
Aftercare and Alumni Services
Social engagement plays a vital role in healing and personal growth. Alumni support services at The Guest House offer many opportunities for individuals and their families to engage in fulfilling activities with others who share similar experiences and goals. In addition to alumni services, people can use aftercare programs and resources to find healthy ways to stay active in the recovery community.
Treatment programs and services provide much-needed support for those in recovery. However, recovery does not end after a person completes rehabilitation. Life is about continual growth and development. To maintain recovery and heal from the effects of substance abuse or mental health disorders, people must adopt a mindset that supports positive changes. Therapy and peer support are a few resources people use to create a mindset focused on healing and growth. The Guest House encourages alumni to take advantage of available alumni support services and referrals to help them build a healthy support network. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you continue to heal after rehabilitation, call us today at (855) 483-7800.