What is a relapse prevention program, and how is it different from a rehab alumni program? Truthfully, the two terms mean the same thing. However, a rehab alumni program may be part of a relapse prevention plan or program. In cases like this, a relapse prevention program may have a rehab alumni program as one of its components. There are many benefits of a rehab alumni program that are worth considering if you or someone you care about is nearing completion or has recently completed a formal addiction treatment program. It’s important to remember that addiction is a chronic and lifelong disease and that there’s no cure because addiction recovery is an ongoing process.
Rehab alumni programs are designed to help people in recovery maintain their sobriety when they encounter bumps in the road. A strong safety net is an essential part of maintaining recovery, and that net can easily be created from supportive relationships with peers. If you or someone you care about is looking for a relapse prevention program or an addiction alumni program, reach out to Rockland Recovery online or at 855.732.4842. Our rehab alumni program has shown to be very beneficial for our clients, so consider our Rockland Recovery team for support and encouragement.
5 Benefits of a Rehab Alumni Program
1. Help in Transitioning Back into Society
Any addiction alumni program will have components that will help participants reintegrate back into the lives they left behind when they got admitted into addiction treatment programs. An effective alumni program also helps clients practice the healthy and positive coping mechanisms they learned in formal addiction treatment. Practicing helps clients be more comfortable when applying those mechanisms to real-world situations.
Rehab alumni programs are also often designed to help clients fill their schedules, look for 12-step programs to join, and pick a sober sponsor. They may also offer other activities and pastimes that occur in safe and sober spaces for those in recovery.
2. Access to Valuable Resources
Addiction relapse prevention also involves using resources, especially when no one from your support network is free to take your call when you’re triggered and feeling lost. A rehab alumni program may also provide access to valuable resources to use this way.
After completing a formal addiction treatment plan and returning to society, it’s essential to engage in mental health counseling and make sure that you stay on the right path. A client’s therapist may also provide valuable resources but may not be as available as participants of a rehab alumni program.
Resources that can help recovering addicts include:
- Access to a database of alumni that includes contact information for other participants who may be able to act as a sober sponsors or mentors
- Direct contact information to reach out to doctors and mental health counselors
- Educational materials
3. Invitations to Social Events for Sober People
All of a rehab alumni program’s participants will want to stay sober. Some may find it difficult to attend social events because they may encounter triggers such as alcoholic drinks. Many relapse prevention programs host social gatherings where recovering addicts don’t need to have their guard up. Apart from being relaxed, recovering addicts may find it easier to socialize because they’re among their peers who understand the difficulty they face daily to remain sober.
4. Finding Other Support Groups
Sometimes, being part of an addiction alumni program is not enough. Clients may need to participate in other anonymous programs or 12-step programs to fill their schedule or simply have more choices when they’re looking for in-person support when they’re in trouble.
Finding support groups that feel safe and secure can be a lifesaver for a client. Anonymous programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are invaluable resources for relapse prevention and overall accountability. These support groups can help clients stay clean and learn to navigate sober living.
5. Employment Assistance
Many rehab alumni programs help participants deal with everything that goes into reintegrating back into society, including looking for a job and even learning financial literacy.
Rehab alumni programs often offer services to help people in recovery find employment. It can be difficult to return to work after taking a medical leave of absence for addiction treatment, but it’s possible. However, it’s essential to be aware of an employer’s drug and alcohol abuse policies. If anything, that could be an additional component that can keep a client sober.
Stay on the Right Track with Rockland Recovery’s Addiction Alumni Program
If you’re looking for a relapse prevention program near Boston, MA, contact Rockland Recovery today. Our team has extensive experience providing addiction relapse prevention, so reach out to our team today by calling 855.732.4842 or filling out our online form.
