The Recovery First Rehab Alumni Program
For people who have completed drug and alcohol rehab, an addiction recovery alumni program can be a great way to foster the skills and relationships gained in treatment.
Our CARE alumni program was created to help you stay connected to a supportive community after rehab and better maintain long-term recovery. Our alumni team knows that your journey is likely to be filled with many ups and downs, and we are here to hold your hand on your journey.
Community of Alumni Recovering Everywhere (CARE)
At Recovery First, our free alumni program is available to anyone who has attended an inpatient or outpatient treatment program at our drug and alcohol rehab facility near Miami.
Our Community of Alumni Recovering Everywhere (aka “CARE”) provides a support network of staff and graduates, where members can:
- Lean on each other’s shared experiences.
- Nurture existing friendships and develop new ones.
- Celebrate recovery milestones.
- See each other thrive in life.
- Find information about aftercare and relapse prevention.
- And so much more.
The CARE program at Recovery First includes features like:
- Our “Connections” alumni app.
- Weekly alumni meetings.
- Guest speakers.
- Special alumni events.
Our Alumni App: Your Recovery Connection
Our parent company, American Addiction Centers, offers an app called Connections, which is designed to support your continued success after treatment.
As a former Recovery First patient, you’ll be able to:
- Access our addiction professionals through a secure, HIPAA-compliant chat function.
- Stay connected to our community with a new, alumni-only social networking experience.
- Enjoy recovery-related podcasts, articles, and other insightful content.
- Keep a gratitude journal and share your journey outside of treatment.
- Mark important milestones with a recovery tracker.
To download and join our Connections alumni app, complete this online request form.
Weekly Recovery First Alumni Meetings
Our CARE rehab alumni program also hosts weekly meetings, where alumni at all stages of the recovery process can share stories, insights, lessons, and hope for the future.
The meetings are held online, so you can stay connected from the comfort of your own home or anywhere else in the world.
Meetings have different themes and speakers. On the 3rd Thursday of each month, alumni participate in an open discussion about a recovery-related topic.
CARE program participants are also welcome to join the AA/NA meetings held on-site at our facility.
‘Share Your Story’ Speaker Series
Each week, Recovery First invites alumni back to the facility so they can share their experiences and offer support to those currently in treatment.
Being of service to others can be an integral part of recovery. When peers help peers, both sides can experience hope, motivation, and empowerment.1
If you’re interested in becoming an alumni speaker, please contact us at alumni@contactaac.com.*
At Recovery First, our alumni speaker events take place on:
- Wednesdays at 11 a.m. EST during the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs (in person)
- Wednesdays at 6 p.m. EST during the evening intensive outpatient program (online only)
- Sundays at 1 p.m. EST during the inpatient treatment program (in person)
*All speakers must have at least 6 months in recovery.
Alumni Events & Outings
The meaningful interactions and sense of community that were initiated in rehab don’t have to end when treatment ends. Our CARE events and outings give alumni opportunities to socialize, celebrate, and support each other in a sober environment, without the potential triggers of drugs and alcohol.
2023 Alumni Friendsgiving
Our Recovery First alumni are invited to celebrate with us at our Friendsgiving potluck.
When:
November 30, 2023 @ 7 pm
Where:
Recovery First (Detox area)
4110 Davie Road Ext.
Hollywood, FL 33024
Quarterly Alumni Events
Our rehab alumni program in Florida organizes quarterly events that help members of our recovery community keep in touch with each other.
Events include fun activities like:
- Bowling.
- Paddle Boarding.
- Movies.
- And more!
5th Thursday Gatherings
On months when there is a “5th” Thursday, our alumni group meets for an in-person dinner.
Visit our events page for upcoming dates.
Monthly ‘Be of Service’ Events
Our Recovery First alumni can also participate in various community service events, as a way to give back and be of service.
For example, on the 4th Saturday of every month, we feed the homeless. Alumni gather clothes, food, and other donations and help distribute them to those in need.
We also participate in an annual NAMI Walk, benefitting the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and organize other service opportunities, such as beach clean-ups and more.
The Benefits of Joining an Alumni Program
Recovery is a life-changing journey that involves continual growth and resilience.2 Studies show that maintaining a strong support system after rehab ends can help lower a person’s risk of relapse and increase the likelihood of long-term recovery.3,4
An alumni program can be an essential part of that support system—a community of peers who understand what you’ve been through and relate to the challenges you face in recovery.
At Recovery First, every person who walks through our doors and entrusts us with their care becomes a part of our family. From day one, we work with you and your treatment team to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes the support and resources needed to sustain recovery long after you leave us.
Our CARE rehab alumni program is just one way we can help you stay connected and motivated—and make sure you are never alone.
We hope you’ll join us at a meeting, speaker event, or community chat on the alumni app. You will be welcomed with open arms.