Alumni Programs: Stay Connected After Treatment
Recovery doesn’t end when a program does. Alumni programs help you stay connected, practice skills, and get support when life gets busy.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Is an Alumni Program?
Alumni programs are ongoing support from your treatment provider (or a partner group). They offer check-ins, groups, workshops, sober activities, and ways to reconnect if you’re struggling. Alumni services aren’t emergency care or a replacement for therapy, but they keep you linked to help and community.
Who Alumni Programs May Help
- You just finished detox, inpatient, PHP, or IOP and want structure
- You’re doing outpatient or telehealth and want extra accountability
- You’re returning to work or school and want simple, steady check-ins
- You had a lapse and need a judgment-free path back to care
What to Expect
Regular check-ins: Brief calls, texts, or app messages
Alumni groups: Virtual or in-person meetings focused on skills and support
Workshops: Sleep skills, coping with cravings, communication, budgeting, job/college tips
Sober events: Hikes, coffee meetups, volunteer days, family nights
Re-engagement: Fast track to schedule a clinical assessment if you need a step-up in care
How Alumni Fits With Aftercare
Alumni programs work best alongside your aftercare plan, which can include therapy, medications (when appropriate), and support groups. Alumni groups act as your “maintenance crew”: They help you notice small problems early and connect you back to care before things snowball.
Common Alumni Services
Check-Ins & Accountability
Short, supportive contacts to track goals: sessions attended, sleep, meds (if prescribed), triggers, and wins. Frequency usually lessens as you stabilize.
Alumni Groups (Virtual & In-Person)
Peer-led or clinician-facilitated groups focused on relapse-prevention skills, boundaries, routines, and celebrating progress. Privacy rules apply.
Workshops & Skills Boosters
You get CBT/DBT skills refreshers, cravings management, weekend planning, holiday/travel prep, job search help, or school success tips.
Mentorship/Buddy System
You’re matched with a trained alum for encouragement and accountability. Mentors are not therapists; they’re peers who understand the process.
Community & Service
Volunteer projects and sober social events help you rebuild purpose and friendships that don’t revolve around substances.
Fast Reentry Path
If cravings spike or you slip, alumni staff help you book a prompt clinical assessment to consider IOP/PHP/inpatient or med adjustments (when appropriate).
Getting Started
Ask your program how to enroll in alumni before discharge
Share your preferred contact method (text, email, app)
Sign any privacy releases you want for family or supports (optional)
Add group times and check-ins to your calendar
Set two small goals for the first 30 days (e.g., “2 groups/week,” “in bed by 10:30”)
A Simple 90-Day Alumni Plan (Example)
- Weeks 1–4: 1 alumni group + 1 therapist visit weekly; 1 skills workshop; daily 10-minute walk
- Weeks 5–8: 1 alumni group weekly; therapist every other week; buddy check-in; add one sober activity
- Weeks 9–12: alumni group weekly or biweekly; maintain routines; review relapse-prevention plan; schedule next 3 months
Signs You Might Need More Support
Skipping therapy/groups, sleep off track, rising cravings
Using substances to cope with stress or strong emotions
Thoughts of self-harm or safety concerns (if urgent, seek help now)
If these show up, contact your clinician or alumni coordinator about stepping up care.
For Loved Ones
Ask if your program offers family alumni education or support. With your consent, loved ones can learn about boundaries, relapse warning signs, and how to encourage your plan.
Privacy & Boundaries
Alumni programs follow privacy rules; you choose who can receive updates. Alumni groups are supportive spaces: no recording, no harassment, and no selling or recruiting. Report concerns to staff right away.
Insurance & Costs
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and medical needs. Programs can check benefits, but your insurer makes the final decision. Ask about self-pay or payment plans if needed.
FAQs
Is an alumni program the same as treatment?
No. It’s ongoing support. Medical care and therapy happen through your clinical team.
Do I have to be abstinent to attend?
Policies vary. Most alumni programs welcome you even if you’ve had a slip; come as you are and talk about next steps. If you’re actively under the influence, you may be asked to reschedule for safety.
Can I join if I completed treatment elsewhere?
Some programs welcome outside alumni; others reserve services for graduates. Ask about options and local referrals.
How long can I stay in alumni?
As long as it helps. Many people stay connected for a year or more, attending groups less often over time.
Are meetings virtual?
Often, yes. Many programs offer both virtual and in-person options.
What if I feel worse?
Contact alumni staff or your clinician to review your plan. If there’s immediate risk, use emergency services.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help.
If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.