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 in Hollywood, FL.
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 AAC Together alumni app.
- Weekly alumni meetings.
- Guest speakers.
- Special alumni events.
Your Recovery Connection
Our parent company, American Addiction Centers, offers an app called AAC Together, 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.
If you have questions or would like to receive an invitation to join the AAC Together app, please email us at alumni@contactaac.com.
Weekly Recovery First Alumni Meetings
Alumni Meeting Details
- Day: Thursdays
- Time: 7 p.m. EST
- Location: Zoom
- Meeting ID: 823 5509 1588
- Password: alumni
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.
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.
Meet Our Alumni Coordinator!
Melina Udler,CMHP, CAP, ICADC, is the Alumni Coordinator at Recovery First Treatment Center, bringing over 16 years of experience in addiction recovery and behavioral health, including nearly nine years with the Recovery First team. Click the button below to read more…
Are You A Laguna Alumni? Share Your Story!
Hear from Recovery First Alumni
The Benefits of Joining an Alumni Program
Recovery is a life-changing journey that involves continual growth and resilience. 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.
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.