Remaining sober can be a daily struggle, which is exactly why one year of sober living as a first responder is an achievement worth celebrating.
Naturally, given the passage of time, the nature of one’s relationship with sobriety grows and changes — like any other relationship. You might be thinking, “After passing the one-year sober mark, how can first responders in recovery continue to grow?”
Alumni programs might be the answer for you.
Sharing the company and connecting with people who’ve been through the same treatment and have remained sober for at least 365 days offer a rare opportunity to feel understood.
Not everyone has the ability to empathize with the effects of prolonged sobriety for those recovering from addiction — just as not everyone can understand what it’s like to be a first responder.
Alumni groups provide a space for like-minded individuals who are sensitive to the pressure of triggers within social settings and work environments. An alumni group composed solely of first responders ensures that they also understand the pressure you often experience on the job.
Alumni groups also function as a network of healthy resources, as veterans of the sober lifestyle tend to know a lot about coping with alcohol and substance abuse.
First responders dedicate their lives to helping others — and it’s time to continue helping yourself. Making connections to fellow alumni will give you the understanding and support you need to get through difficult times now and in the future.
What’s the value of an alumni program?
Although alumni programs slightly differ from one facility to another, the main initiative of an alumni program is to ease the return to daily life following treatment from a recovery program.
Offering assistance with job hunting (if you are no longer returning to your role as a first responder), education, and mental and physical health are just a few of the areas these programs aim to improve.
Alumni programs provide a bridge between treatment and living life to the fullest. These programs embrace pursuing healthy activities that reward sobriety. For some people, this means social activities, many of which are organized through alumni events. Others are drawn to activities like hiking and therapy, which can embolden happiness and mental health. Above all else, alumni programs remind participants that sober life should be enthusiastically lived rather than survived.
Connect to a Community of Recovery
Finding even one person who understands the toll that your experience as a first responder and addiction takes on a personal level can be difficult in the hustle and bustle of life outside of treatment.
Meeting outside of the pressures of substance abuse alleviates the stress and anxiety that coincides with social gatherings. First responders familiar with recovery help each other continue healing through the shared understanding that sobriety is hard work. Peer support empowers us with positivity and hope, offering advice in times of crisis.
Career development and physical health
The benefits of alumni programs extend far beyond the reach of socialization and personal empowerment. These programs are also highlighted by emphasizing career development and physical health.
By connecting alumni with career opportunities such as job fairs and resumé workshops, these programs provide a tangible path toward financial stability for those committed to sobriety. Whether you decide to continue your career as a first responder or pursue something different, alumni programs can greatly assist you.
As creatures of routine, we crave stability — yet being a first responder often means facing lots of uncertainty. Alumni groups cement the weak spots in our personal foundation without demanding that we surrender our independence and help us find a balance that we can happily live with.
Some alumni programs offer fitness-centric recreational gatherings for participants as well. Activities like hiking, yoga, and pilates can add a balance to the physical portion of your life’s equation.
Locating groups that encourage healthy habits helps keep us dedicated to our health and recovery.
The actual workout experience can be bolstered through group mentality, which you may have already experienced through police or firefighter training. Feeling the push and pull of fellow participants encourages us to give our best.
Click here to access our list of First Responder Fellowship Support Groups.