Finishing a treatment program for substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions is a huge accomplishment. It can be difficult for some individuals to feel they deserve to heal once everything is said and done. The fact is that everyone deserves a second chance for a healthier lifestyle! Moving forward, whether in early or long-term recovery, is something to be extremely proud of. Renaissance Ranch has an astounding Band of Brothers Alumni Network Program. Alumni events can be very beneficial for individuals that need additional support. The facility understands that sobriety is a life-long journey. Therefore, we take great pride in the alumni event program by supporting our clients in helping them maintain motivation and structure while in recovery.
What Is an Alumni Event?
Different alumni programs may include special sober events. Some people may wonder what an alumni program is. Alumni programs, for example, provide continuing care for individuals fresh out of treatment who still need additional support. An alumni program may provide individuals with recovery coaching. They can provide peer support to help one transition back into society. An alumni program may also provide participants with ongoing access to valuable resources and assistance for employment opportunities and shelter. Depending on which facility one chooses, alumni programs may also host alumni events.
Alumni events can be an exciting way for peers to gather together and celebrate accomplishments and sobriety as a whole. It is a community of people who have all gone through something similar that can network and support one another during a fun event. For example, individuals may gather to go bowling or maybe have a tasty barbecue. Networking together can bring exciting new opportunities and resources to provide helpful information for one’s future. Attending an event can be a worthy chance to discuss new milestones, find support after a relapse, or confide in others to set new goals to maintain long-term sobriety. Overall, individuals can hold each other accountable and learn to have fun being sober.
Fears of Attending Alumni Events
For many common personal reasons, some individuals may fear joining alumni programs and are especially hesitant to attend alumni events. One may not feel completely back to themselves. Therefore, when a person is not feeling 100%, they may not give the best first impression. Others may feel nervous to open up about their situation, as talking about their condition can bring deep emotions to the surface. Some individuals may worry about oversharing and feel flooded with embarrassment.
As encouraging as it may be to attend an alumni event, it may be difficult to see that others may be doing better in recovery. This could lead someone to feel out of place when, in reality, everyone is gathered for a very similar reason. Not everybody has an extroverted personality and just naturally feels more comfortable at home. Some people may simply feel uncomfortable meeting new people due to feeling self-conscious, scrutinized, or judged. In more severe cases, social anxiety can play a big factor.
As stated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), social anxiety disorder is more than just feelings of shyness. Social anxiety disorder can bring intense feelings of being watched, analyzed, and ultimately judged. The condition can try to dominate an individual’s whole life, but taking time to understand the value of networking can bring strong encouragement.
Benefits of Going to Alumni Events
Setting foot independently for the very first time in early recovery can feel intimidating for some men. Fears of letting God, themselves, and others down can creep up. Experiencing feelings of uncertainty can make someone that much more vulnerable to relapse. There is an endless amount of benefits that come with joining an alumni program and attending alumni events. A few benefits of taking an extra hand may include:
- Recovery Coaching
- Peer support
- Sober activities
- Increased sense of self-esteem and confidence
- New opportunities
- Moral reinforcement
- Prolonged abstinence
As stated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery support can be provided in various settings. Certain programs help individuals learn to navigate through the obstacles faced in early recovery. It is crucial to stay engaged to gain the best benefit for a better future. An individual recovery coach can provide individuals with emotional and informational support for those that need kind direction. They can help one get involved with the community and network with like-minded individuals for guidance. This includes resources for alumni events. Collectively, nothing but good comes from accepting more support. Everyone deserves to heal. Recovery is not easy for just anyone. Support is there.
Renaissance Ranch’s Band of Brothers Alumni Network
Taking time to research and tour different treatment centers that provide continuing care can be a challenge but worth the effort. All good things come with time. Renaissance Ranch has one of the USA’s largest and most involved alumni networks. We have been around for over 50 years and are the largest Utah treatment center. The brotherhood in Renaissance Ranch is a close-knit group that ensures everyone feels they are a part of something important. Everyone that is a part of the Band of Brothers Program does what it takes together to reach their goal of long-term sobriety.
Early recovery can be challenging for some men. Accepting extra support may just be all that’s needed. Joining an alumni program and attending alumni events can give someone trusted guidance to ensure long-term sobriety. Here at Renaissance Ranch, we believe in providing the best quality care to all those who participate in our programs. Men who have gone through our program are constantly connecting with the newer members of the program and showing them that there is hope in recovery. If you or a loved one have completed treatment and are in need of additional support, we would love to talk with you about our Band of Brothers Alumni Program and events. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898.