If you’re at the beginning of your recovery journey and you’re hoping to get some extra guidance, speaking with others who’ve been there is a great place to start. Some organizations offer direct connections with alumni, and this is an excellent opportunity to learn from people who know exactly what you’re going through – the heartaches, the pain, the victories, the lessons – everything. Since each person’s journey to recovery is different, it doesn’t always make sense to find a role model – after all, your experiences are likely going to be a lot different than anyone else’s in recovery, because the journey that’s led you up to this point is already different in and of itself. You can learn a lot from others’ stories and experiences, however, and alumni programs give you so many excellent opportunities for this.
There are so many benefits that come with making a connection with an alumnus, such as:
- Hearing their story
- Gaining some perspective
- Asking them questions
- Having someone to talk to about problems related to your recovery
- Building your support network
- Getting encouragement
- Building up hope after seeing that someone else has succeeded
So many studies have shown us that support is such a meaningful part of recovery and having the ability to talk to someone who has already been through it can give you a sense of hope and confidence – because that’ll be yet another person who is on your side. The person you speak to may even be able to point you in the direction of additional volunteer opportunities and resources to help you get out there in your community, which means you’ll be able to help others, too.
Recovery is so much more than just attending a program and leaving. It’s about building connections, learning new tools, growing, and really building a life for yourself – one that promotes your happiness, health and overall wellbeing. Speaker, author, and strength/endurance coach Shane Niemeyer once stated some very true words about addiction recovery: “Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking of what we want to become. Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking about who we don’t ever want to be again.”
It’s scary to walk into something when you have no idea what to expect. Nobody really likes major change – but the connections you build could last you a lifetime, and could mean all the world of success in your recovery.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-campus, we are made up of 2 twelve-step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
Call us today at 1-800-646-9998 to take the next step towards your happiness and health.
