There are numerous reasons why treatment centers should focus and invest in an alumni program and community. See below some of the reasons why:
- Having an alumni program can help patients have a smoother transition from being in treatment to being back to their normal day-to-day life.
- An alumni program can also keep the patient connected to their treatment team and in turn provide ongoing support after they’ve graduated the treatment program.
- As the patient is adjusting back to their day-to-day life, an alumni program can keep them connected to a recovery community that they are already familiar with. Having some familiarity while experiencing change can be helpful.
- Alumni programs also create a recovery community where the patient can interact with other individuals that are on a similar journey. It’s always nice to know that you’re not alone. Alumni have the ability to connect with others that are on different stages of their recovery journey. This can provide perspective, support, encouragement, and a sense of empowerment too! It’s always nice to be surrounded by others with a similar goal in mind.
- Having an alumni program also gives your alumni the freedom to choose their level of involvement. They can choose simply to stay in touch with their treatment team. They can choose to show up to alumni events and get to know others in their recovery community. Or they can choose not to participate at all, but they know it’s there if they need it.
- Beyond the benefits for just the alumni, having a strong alumni community can also help treatment centers collect outcomes data. Having access to outcomes metrics can give perspective to what’s working, what can be improved, or what can be changed within the program.