The Importance of Sober Living Alumni Involvement
Upon completing a sober living program, it may be easy to return home and quickly become consumed with life’s responsibilities, such as getting a job, going to school, or attending weekly recovery meetings. Although all these things are very important to a life of sustained recovery, maintaining the relationships and bonds you created with your peers in sober living is also a key aspect of ongoing sobriety.
5 Reasons to Stay Involved in the Sober Living Alumni Community
Even after completing your sober living program at Eudaimonia, there are plenty of great reasons to stay involved in the alumni community. Here are just a few.
- Participate in fun and sober activities on a regular basis.
Just because you’ve decided to live sober doesn’t mean all your peers and family members will do the same. Sometimes social events can be challenging, especially if they involve alcohol or other addictive substances. Participating in Eudaimonia sober living alumni events is not only fun, but it also provides a relaxed social environment that is consistently drug and alcohol-free. Our alumni at Eudaimonia frequently get together for sports events and group meetings. These sober activities give alumni a chance to catch up on each other’s lives, spend quality time with like-minded peers, and encourage one another through the challenges of sober living.
- Build community with a strong sober network of peers.
Although you are likely to develop friendships and relationships with people at work, school, church, and elsewhere, there may be few people in your life who have had similar experiences with addiction, treatment, and recovery. There is always great value in cultivating relationships with peers who understand what you’re going through. These individuals will be able to provide unique insight on the challenges of sobriety, offer wisdom and encouragement when it’s needed most, and help keep you accountable to your sobriety goals.
- Empower and encourage other alumni to continue living sober, fulfilling lives.
Some days in sobriety will be more difficult than others. In times like these, it’s great to have other sober peers in your life who can provide trustworthy wisdom, encouragement, and hope. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that hope serves as the foundation of recovery. It is the belief that the challenges of addiction recovery can be overcome. This type of hope is supported by peers, friends, and family members, and is a huge part of your overall physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
- Prioritize sobriety maintenance and accountability.
If your family and/or friends aren’t supportive of your decision to get sober, staying involved with other sober living alumni, your sponsor, and a recovery coach can help you maintain a solid support system. Complex family dynamics can make staying sober exceptionally challenging, but these situations don’t have to determine your success in sobriety. Lean on the people in your life who are supportive of your decision to get sober. These relationships will help you develop resilience and self-efficacy as you continue to work the 12-step program. Even if your family and friends are rooting for you and your continued sobriety, building relationships within the recovery community has many advantages.
- Be a strong example for current sober living residents.
Staying involved with your sober living alumni community is clearly beneficial for you, but it’s also great for current sober living residents as well. Eudaimonia Recovery Homes regularly hosts events and activities for current residents but often times, alumni are also welcome to attend. This gives current residents a chance to see and talk to other individuals who successfully made it through treatment and are living happy and rewarding sober lives. Spending time with current sober living residents also gives you a chance to share your own story and show them what a successful life in recovery can look like.
Getting involved in the alumni community at Eudaimonia has plenty of great advantages. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming events or would like more information about how you can get involved, contact our Alumni Coordinator, Kevin Cunningham by phone at 512-230-9103 or by email at kevin.cunningham@novarecoverycenter.com.
