You may feel the desire to give back what has been freely given to you. Taking the time to help others in early recovery can be a rewarding experience. After all, you probably believe in paying it forward, and what better way to do that than to help others in early recovery? You likely remember what it was like to tread those waters and how overwhelming it was. There are many things you can offer to others who have come after you.
This blog will discuss the benefits of alumni programs, how to know if you are ready to participate, and helpful ways to get started. At The Guest House, we offer many opportunities for alumni to help those in early recovery.
How Do Alumni Programs Help in Early Recovery?
One benefit of recovering through a treatment program is the endless opportunity for continued support. Granted, when people complete a program, they often struggle to find the right sources of support. One form of support is an alumni recovery program. An alumni program helps with continued positive connections, friendships, and ongoing support from peers and staff.
At The Guest House, we believe that recovery takes a village of support. This is why we recommend our alumni recovery program to everyone. This program allows you to connect with sober support even after you have completed treatment.
What Exactly Is an Alumni Program?
Recovery does not stop when you are discharged from treatment. The end of treatment is just the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Now that you have gained all the tools needed for a healthy recovery, you are ready to start your new life at home (or in sober living housing. At The Guest House, we know that going home is exciting. However, it can be a jarring experience to lack the support that you had in treatment.
Alumni programs are groups that keep former clients connected to build positive relationships, better communication, and healthy support. Whether you want to engage with the alumni group a lot or a little, the choice is yours. There is no pressure. Rather, there is simply the good feeling of knowing that you are always supported, no matter what.
Most people in early recovery find the alumni program to be beneficial. This is because the beginning of recovery can be challenging. Is there a better way to find support than to connect with those who have witnessed the changes in you?
What Are the Benefits of an Alumni Program in Early Recovery?
Although your family and friends will support you, sometimes they do not understand what you are going through. An alumni program will provide you will an endless amount of support from people who have been in recovery for long and short periods. You will be able to learn from others’ experiences and build healthy relationships and positive connections.
Several benefits of alumni programs are listed below:
- Healthy connections
- Sober activities
- Community engagement
- Accountability
- Ongoing support at The Guest House
- The chance to inspire others
The benefits of an alumni program are not just for you but also for those around you. You enjoy supporting others, which will reinforce your gains. What’s more, an alumni program will offer you opportunities to experience new activities free of substances alongside other sober people.
How Do I Know if I Am Ready to Help Those in Early Recovery?
Living in recovery is not always easy. However, when you have positive connections, support, healthy boundaries, and accountability, it does get better. With the right ingredients, sobriety is possible. Recognizing that you are ready to help those in early recovery is a beautiful thing.
Helping someone in early recovery does not have to be a major production. It can be as small as reaching out to someone and letting them know that you are available if they need you.
Knowing your boundaries and how to set them is important when helping others in recovery. Additionally, self-awareness plays a part in knowing whether or not you are ready to help others. Self-awareness means you are mindful of your surroundings and feelings. Also, you’ll want to ask yourself if you can address issues as they may arise without being tempted to use substances to cope.
How Do I Get Started?
It is an exciting time for you to want to inspire others with all the information you have gained. At The Guest House, we want to help you to assist others through our alumni program. In this program, there are many opportunities to encourage others.
When searching for rehabilitation, it is important to explore whether they have an alumni program and aftercare. At The Guest House, we believe in the value of aftercare. We know that it has a positive impact on long-term recovery. We value who you are and believe that recovery is best supported by connection.
We offer several different opportunities to get you involved. You can pick what works for you and we do the rest. We will support you every step of the way and never leave you second-guessing your recovery.
You have reached the point in your recovery where you are ready to help others reach their full potential. Exploring how that looks in recovery can create feelings of excitement and motivation. By working through your recovery, you have gained internal satisfaction. As an alumni, exploring the option of volunteering in your program will not only help others but bring a sense of purpose to your recovery. At The Guest House, we are honored to have alumni working side by side in the program with us. We are proud of the progress you have made and continue to make. If you want to volunteer in recovery, give us a call today at (855) 483-7800.