What Are the Benefits of Aftercare or Alumni Programs?

Have you recently completed an addiction treatment program and are getting ready to return home? If so, you're probably worried about the transition process, the new challenges you'll face, and staying sober post-treatment. However, what if you could transition back into everyday life and still receive addiction recovery support? Many facilities nowadays offer post-treatment care through aftercare or alumni programs. These programs are designed to help clients transition from treatment to recovery through continued care, peer and professional support, and other resources. 

Many remain unfamiliar with aftercare and its benefits. However, if returning to your everyday life post-treatment is a source of worry and anxiety for you, it can't hurt to look into aftercare options. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we want all our clients to be successful once treatment is complete. So, we develop and maintain long-term relationships with these clients to provide ongoing support. Contact us and continue reading to learn more about this ongoing support today! 

Preparing for Life Post-Treatment

Your addiction treatment program was unique to your individual challenges, and your transition back to everyday life post-treatment will be unique, too. There is no sure way to know what to expect from your first few days, weeks, and months after leaving an addiction treatment facility. While there are steps you can take to better prepare for this transition, there's only so much one person can do. 

As time goes by, you'll become more comfortable with your newfound life of recovery, but it'll certainly be an adjustment, at least initially. Nevertheless, a smooth transition is possible, but you must have the right support and tools. These are essential to prepare for and navigate the many unique challenges you'll face in early recovery. 

Unique Challenges Faced by Folks in Recovery

Addiction recovery is about so much more than abstaining from substance use; instead, it's about making sustainable life changes. These healthy changes will help you stay sober while managing the stress and challenges faced throughout recovery. Seeking help, getting treatment, and getting sober are all challenges in themselves. However, individuals in early recovery experience a unique set of challenges, including: 

• The dangers of isolation 
• Managing symptoms of mental illness 
• Creating new relationships outside of treatment 
• Learning to cope with stress without substance use 
• Going back to work after being in a facility 
• Finding housing if you can't return home 
• Ending relationships and friendships because of substance use 

While these challenges can be tough to manage without substance, some things can help you. 

The Importance of Creating Peer Connections

One thing that can help you manage challenges is peer connections. We can't stress this enough – peer support is invaluable to addiction recovery, inside and outside treatment. They can be exceptionally beneficial in continuing care programs. 

Peer support groups help to: 

• Build interpersonal relationships 
• Provide options for mentor and sponsor relationships 
• Learn new coping skills and relapse prevention tips 
• Provide safe spaces for peers to talk and bond 
• Reduce feelings of isolation and increase community 
• Encourage people to maintain sobriety 

Finding peer support is possible, especially while in a treatment program. However, these relationships can continue, and you can make new connections through an alumni program. 

What Are Alumni Programs?

Alumni programs are becoming more commonly offered by addiction treatment facilities nationwide. These programs are designed to help people in recovery maintain sobriety, develop healthier lifestyles, and create a sense of community. As treatment programs vary from one facility to the other, so do alumni programs. Each rehabilitation facility may implement aftercare support in a variety of ways. 

An alumni program is also designed to widen one's network of people in recovery. This widens one's community and increases support. A network like this helps and expands one's access to guidance and support. 

How Can an Alumni Program Help Me?

So, what are the other benefits of enrolling in an alumni program? Some of the benefits include: 

• Staying connected with a recovery support network 
• Helping you with the transition back into society and everyday life 
• Accessing a wide range of valuable resources 
• Providing fun, sober activities, and social events 
• Reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation 
• Learning and practicing new coping and relapse prevention skills
• Having the opportunity to share your own story to help others  

Alumni Programs at West Coast Recovery Centers

As mentioned, one facility's alumni program will differ from another. Our team at West Coast Recovery Centers stays in contact with clients and provides regular check-ins for the first 60 days following treatment. These check-ins help clients adjust to the routine of being home and navigating the many unique challenges mentioned earlier. 

We also keep clients connected through our active alumni community. Through this network, we host weekly group meetings and coordinate social events. Our alumni network also provides regular opportunities to volunteer in the community, as we believe in the power of giving back and being of service to others. 

Visit our website or contact us to learn more about treatment, recovery, alumni, or aftercare services today! 

Individuals leaving an addiction treatment program or a rehabilitation facility can experience a wide range of unique challenges when transitioning back into day-to-day life post-treatment. These challenges can be difficult to manage and may even cause someone to experience intense cravings for drugs or alcohol. Thankfully, there are ways to better these challenges. One way is through alumni programs. Alumni or aftercare services can help widen your support network, learn coping and relapse prevention skills, and provide fun, sober activities or social events to attend with peers. Of course, individuals must first seek treatment before enrolling in an alumni program. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more and seek treatment today!