Alumni Programming at OARC
Alumni Events at OARC
Ohio Addiction Recovery Center offers various opportunities for alumni to connect with each other in person or share their story with new clients. These include:
Alumni Speakers:
Do you remember someone sharing their story when you were in treatment? Did it have an impact on your recovery? Now you can have the opportunity to pay it forward. We’re always looking for alumni to come share their story in groups to our current residential population. We have many days and times available. We just request all alumni guest speakers have at least 1 year of continuous sobriety. Please contact Delaney through the contact form above if you’d like to come speak!
If you’re not yet a client of OARC, you can expect to meet alumni and hear their stories while in our residential rehab program.
Quarterly Events:
Four times per year we get together with staff and alumni to connect, celebrate recovery, and have fun! For example, for the holiday season in 2023, we all got together for Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Events are posted on the alumni Facebook and Instagram pages, so be sure you’re a member to keep in the loop!
If you don’t have Facebook or Instagram, please reach out to Delaney. We’ll make sure you stay in-the-know.
Benefits of Alumni Programs
Aside from staying connected and having fun, alumni programs can play a critical role in recovery. Our program is designed to provide ongoing support and resources to help individuals maintain their recovery and build a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. Here are some key benefits of the OARC alumni programs:
Community Support: Our alumni program creates a sense of community among individuals who have shared similar experiences. This support network can be invaluable in helping recovering individuals stay connected, share insights, and provide encouragement to one another.
Relapse Prevention: Ongoing support is crucial in preventing relapse. Alumni programs often offer tools and strategies for relapse prevention, helping individuals identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to navigate challenging situations without resorting to substance use.
Continued Education: Recovery is an ongoing process, and alumni programs often provide educational resources to help individuals stay informed about addiction, mental health, and wellness. This information can empower individuals to make informed decisions and better understand the challenges they may face.
Reintegration into Society: Alumni programs can help individuals reintegrate into society by offering support with issues such as employment, education, and building healthy relationships. This can be particularly important for individuals who may have faced challenges in these areas due to their addiction.
Social Activities: Organized social activities and events within alumni programs provide a positive and sober environment for individuals to engage in recreational activities. These events help individuals build a new social network that doesn’t revolve around substance use.
Accountability: Regular check-ins and meetings within the alumni program provide a level of accountability. Knowing that others are invested in their well-being can motivate individuals to stay on track with their recovery goals.
Encouragement of Continued Treatment: Our alumni program often encourages ongoing therapeutic support, such as counseling or group therapy, to address any underlying issues that may contribute to addiction. This emphasis on continued treatment can enhance long-term recovery outcomes.
Celebration of Milestones: Recognizing and celebrating milestones in recovery, whether it’s days, months, or years of sobriety, can be a powerful motivator. Alumni programs often provide a platform for individuals to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. We always encourage alumni to post their milestones in our Facebook group!
Reduced Stigma: Being part of an alumni community can help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. Open discussions and shared experiences foster a non-judgmental environment where individuals feel accepted and understood.