NorthStar Transitions has an extensive and active alumni network. We provide many services to support this network and help our graduates maintain lifelong sobriety. If you have been considering attending alumni events through our program, consider this your sign to do it!
Early recovery can be a particularly vulnerable time for people. They may struggle with triggers, cravings, self-doubt, and a slew of other challenges. That's because people in early recovery are still trying to get their footing.
Individuals in long-term recovery may feel more confident about managing the stressors they face. After all, they've established a solid recovery foundation. Nevertheless, even individuals who've been in recovery for decades experience triggers and cravings. Addiction is a chronic disorder. The unfortunate reality is that relapse will always pose a threat to sobriety. Thankfully, an alumni program can help reduce that risk.
Life after treatment still requires a support system. After all, post-treatment life can abound with responsibilities, obstacles, and stress. You may be a single parent, have an overly demanding job, or struggle with managing the symptoms of co-occurring disorders. Whatever your situation, you may feel that on some days, the challenges never end.
Attending an alumni program can help you avoid relapsing no matter what life throws your way. It can also keep your motivation strong to maintain the other healthy habits you learned in treatment.
Some people feel anxious about attending alumni events. That may be because they don't know anyone or think it won't be their scene. This anxiety is normal. However, considering the benefits may help you become more comfortable with the idea of attending alumni events.
Active alumni programs like the one at NorthStar Transitions offer many benefits. These include continued support, peer and professional connections, and the ability to have fun and socialize in a sober environment. Each of these benefits can help you strengthen your support system. This can go a long way in reducing your risk of relapse.
Many things can pose a threat to sobriety. Stress, boredom, and symptoms of co-occurring disorders can strain your commitment to staying sober. For that reason, having a relapse prevention plan is vital. Strategies in this plan to help you avoid relapse may include:
Alumni events can help people accomplish the last two items on that list. Sober fun and support networks are pillars of long-term recovery.
Feeling isolated, misunderstood, and bored with sobriety is easy when you lack sober friends. Fortunately, at alumni events, individuals can connect with peers at various stages of recovery. People who have been in recovery for much longer than you can offer prudent advice based on their lived experience. Those who are newer to life post-treatment may inspire you to be a good role model for them.
These connections and the opportunities they create for you to learn from the lived experiences of others can significantly reduce your risk of relapse. By nature, addiction can be isolating. The more isolated we feel, the higher chance we have of relapsing. Alumni programs help us feel less lonely and strengthen our desire to stay sober.
Knowing what you can expect at alumni events may ease your anxieties about attending. Essentially, alumni programs can throw any kind of event they want. That may include planning a group hike for local clients or hosting sober social gatherings to connect you with new people.
At NorthStar Transitions, we offer frequent opportunities for clients to reconnect with each other. We do this through:
With you're new to recovery, finding sober things to do in your area may be challenging. Alumni programs can help by hosting social gatherings with like-minded people.
There are many reasons to attend alumni events with NorthStar Transitions. Alumni events provide:
Long-term recovery takes a village. Our alumni program can be your village. Reach out today to learn more about upcoming alumni events with NorthStar.
Addiction, by nature, is an isolating disease. Unfortunately, long-term recovery can be isolating too. After they leave treatment, people may struggle to connect with others who understand. Fortunately, alumni programs can connect you to this vital support system. You can learn from the lived experiences of those who've been in recovery longer than you and help others by sharing knowledge from your own experiences with sobriety. Attending alumni events can be a great way to make connections that can keep you motivated, connected, and sober. To learn more about our alumni events and program, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400. Let us help you maintain sobriety through alumni connections today.
