While early recovery is an exciting time of rebirth and growth for us, it certainly is not without many challenges. Recovery is a new way of life, free from the bondage of drugs and alcohol that had once kept us down. While we are making the transition into a life of recovery, we should always explore the many options available to us to help ease the transition.
Here we discuss the benefits of one common option for easing the transition into a life of recovery – rehab alumni groups.
Accountability
Accountability to the program and our recovery is one of the most crucial aspects of achieving long-term 
sobriety. Joining and regularly attending a rehab alumni group provides us with accountability to the other members, and will keep us on top of our programs.
Keeping it “green”!
We often times can have a short-term memory when it comes to the pains of addiction; remembering only the good times instead of the bad. This can be particularly dangerous for us. Attending an alumni group will often times allow us to remember how painful it was when we first entered rehab, thus keeping it fresh in our minds.
Service work opportunities
Service work is one of the most crucial aspects to achieving long-term sobriety, for we keep what we have by giving it away. Alumni groups often provide countless service work opportunities for us to take part in. These not only help us to stay sober; they keep the fellowship alive.
“But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendship, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful.”
–Big Book, page 17
Opportunities to have fun
A major fear many of us have coming into recovery is whether it is possible to have sober fun or not. Alumni groups typically provide countless networking opportunities to put this fear to bed. Sober sports leagues, dances, hangouts, conventions, and many other opportunities for fun can be had in sobriety.
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Build support group
Building a support group is another crucial component to achieving long-term sobriety. Our support group gives us accountability to the program and to our recovery, and somewhere to lean when times are tough. Alumni fellowships provide an excellent place to meet and develop a strong support group of like-minded individuals.
Showing the newcomer the program works
We can all remember what it was like sitting in the chairs at a rehab. Most of us felt quite hopeless at that point in our lives. Rehab alumni groups show the newcomers that the program does work, and provides them with one of the most important tools in early sobriety: hope.
Final Note
The Lodges is the premier Orange County sober living and structured living community for men and women who are either in the early stages of recovery or transitioning from primary care. We understand the need for a structured and safe environment for individuals who need the added encouragement on their journey. If you or a loved one is seeking sober living in beautiful Orange County please call us at (866)-610-4480 or visit us online.
