Individuals in rehabilitation for substance use disorder (SUD) maintain healthy lifestyle changes more easily if they have consistent support through every level of care. Alumni support ensures clients continue to receive guidance and can access resources after transitioning out of treatment. According to the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, “Recovery support services, including in vivo (i.e., face to face) peer-based supports and social networks, are associated with positive effects on substance use disorder recovery outcomes.” Bright Mission Recovery encourages clients and their families to utilize alumni services and ongoing support.
What Is Alumni Support?
Alumni support ensures clients can access services and resources necessary to maintain sobriety long-term. All Bright Mission Recovery alumni have access to these services. Clients report better outcomes when they take advantage of alumni support after completing treatment.
People recovering from SUD may have difficulty navigating resources or maintaining accountability after leaving treatment. Alumni services do the following:
- Provide ongoing support after rehabilitation
- Offer connections to peers
- Use check-ins and follow-ups to increase accountability
- Provide access to workshops and events
- Strengthen life skills and coping strategies
- Create a sense of community
- Combat stigmas and disinformation
- Connect clients with mentors or sponsors
Everyone has different needs during continuing care. Alumni services address those unique needs through private and community-based resources. Clients collaborate with their care team to determine what services and programs will provide them with the best support in maintaining ongoing sobriety.
Services Clients Can Access During Aftercare
Alumni services become available during continuing care and remain accessible until clients no longer need them to maintain sobriety independently. Clients and their loved ones usually take advantage of alumni services to fill gaps in continuing care.
Some of the services clients and their loved ones can access during aftercare include:
- Referrals to outside resources
- Regular phone check-ins for the first several months after treatment
- Access to clinicians during crisis moments
- Continuing psychoeducation
Alumni services may also include support groups. Studies have shown that “[b]onding with a long-term support group can be a significant factor in recovery.” The service allows clients to build resilience and feel confident in their ability to overcome challenges in recognizing. People often develop deep, life-long connections with peers and the care team at Bright Mission Recovery.
Health Benefits of Alumni Support
Alumni services offer unique health benefits by reducing stress and increasing access to necessary support. People who have better tools for managing stress recover more quickly and have a reduced risk of relapse. Bright Mission Recovery understands the importance of reducing risk factors associated with relapse and mental health issues. Alumni services offer clients a safe and non-judgmental space to continue receiving essential emotional and practical support.
Some of the primary health benefits of alumni services include:
- Increased access to mental health support
- Peer accountability and support
- Access to long-term resources
- Relapse prevention support
- Learning to use practical tools for managing cravings and other symptoms of SUD
Alumni support offers structure and additional resources to individuals in continuing care. Every person experiences different challenges and needs as they continue to grow and heal. We tailor alumni support to the specific needs of each client.
Social Support Improves Mood and Decreases Symptoms
Alumni services offer clients and their families multiple ways to engage with peers and build a social support network. Social support has many health benefits, including:
- Improving mood
- Increasing emotion regulation
- Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
- Reducing overall stress
Individuals often feel more confident and comfortable with their ability to maintain sobriety if they utilize alumni services.
Bright Mission Recovery Provides Alumni Support
Alumni support is a valuable tool and ensures people in aftercare have access to addiction and mental health professionals who can answer their questions, guide them through unexpected challenges, and provide follow-up care when necessary. The support services also keep alumni connected with peers who have been through the programs and share similar life experiences. Often, being able to communicate with others and share successes or concerns provides people with a sense of comfort and safety.
Alumni services create a welcoming and inclusive space where all alumni can unite to continue learning, growing, and healing. Bright Mission Recovery also offers various services and educational resources for families who want to better support their loved ones during ongoing sobriety.
Aftercare Support Reduces the Risk of Relapse
Continuing care services, including alumni support, reduce the risk of relapse by ensuring clients have people to turn to in moments of crisis. Bright Mission Recovery encourages clients to take advantage of alumni services and regularly check in with alumni to ensure they feel supported as they navigate continuing care. Clients and their loved ones use alumni services to maintain positive connections with their care team and peers.
People recovering from substance abuse go through many levels of care before transitioning out of treatment. Often, individuals in continuing care require additional support to maintain the positive lifestyle changes accomplished during rehabilitation. Alumni support is an essential service for ensuring clients continue to make progress in their healing journey. Clients and their loved ones can rely on their care team to always be there to answer questions or provide follow-up care. Bright Mission Recovery offers alumni services and other aftercare resources to ensure clients feel supported after treatment. Alumni services help people stay connected with a vibrant, sober community. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (747) 444-3284.