Millions of people in the United States live with mental health issues or a substance use disorder. Comprehensive mental health treatment can give people the best chance to manage their symptoms and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Recovery from mental illness or substance abuse is a lifelong process. Treatment is only the first step. People need to stay active in their recovery through ongoing therapy, participating in a local alumni program, or finding other ways to increase their mental health support system.
If you or someone you love requires the support of an alumni group or other mental health programs, reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. We offer a range of programs designed to support and empower people at every stage of their mental health journey. Call today at 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
The Lifelong Process of Recovery
Mental illness and substance use disorders are never truly cured. Instead, people living with these conditions have to stay active in recovery and find ways to manage their symptoms for life. This can take time, energy, and a lot of commitment. It also gives people the opportunity to learn new skills, build new habits, and develop new, lasting relationships. Some ways to stay active in recovery for life include:
- Continuing individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Finding support groups or meetups
- Participating in an alumni group
Finding a supportive community is an important way to stay active in recovery from substance abuse or mental illness. Developing new relationships can help you stay committed to the lifelong process of recovery.
What Is an Alumni Program?
Finishing a treatment program is an important step in your recovery journey, but it is only the beginning. Recovery from substance use disorders and mental health conditions is a lifelong process. True recovery requires an ongoing commitment to learning and growing. It also means developing a new support network. Joining an alumni group is one way to maintain your commitment to recovery. An alumni program is a group of people who have completed treatment who meet regularly for support and activities. Some alumni groups activities might include:
- Sporting events
- Beach days
- Volunteering
- Holiday celebrations
- Nature hikes or other outdoor activities
- Dinner parties
- Concerts
- Day trips
Being active in an alumni group is a great way to increase your support network and find new activities that support your recovery. It is also a great way to contribute to a community and increase your self-esteem.
Self-Care & Mental Health
Ongoing education and support are important to managing the symptoms of your mental illness. Continuing to go to therapy for mental health and being intentional about self-care are important aspects of treating mental illness. It’s not enough to simply manage your mental health—it’s also important to find ways to enjoy your life in recovery. A support network or alumni group can help you learn new ways to find meaning, joy, and purpose in recovery.
Learn More About the Alumni Program at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you or someone you love require treatment for mental illness, please reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. We offer a range of programs to support and empower people at any stage of their journey with mental illness. Our programs include:
- Residential mental health treatment
- PTSD treatment
- Depression and anxiety treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
If you are ready to take the first step in your journey to better mental health, we will walk the rest of the way with you. To speak with one of our admissions counselors, call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
