First Alumni Meetup: Outstanding!

"This is where it all starts, things like this. Connection."…

That's a quote from an enthusiastic attendee at the first Alumni Meetup held at MSD. Thirteen individuals attended, including former clients and several current Recovery Bed clients who described being ‘incredibly grateful to be included’. 

‘Connection’ is exactly what led Dan Cardinal, Recovery Coach at MSD, to organize the alumni session. The importance of social support to recovery is increasingly acknowledged. Individuals who do well transitioning from detox to treatment can be more vulnerable to relapse after treatment if they lack a healthy community.

Building on the concepts of fellowship and ‘recovery capital,’ Dan saw multiple benefits for former clients sharing their early recovery experiences: “Having a meeting to share stories of success and opportunities allows people to think outside the box when considering their recovery needs, keeps individuals motivated, and promotes hope that recovery is achievable.” The importance of ‘hope’ led to inviting MSD Recovery Bed clients to this meeting, giving them a chance to see that recovery can happen.

During the 2-hour session, attendees enjoyed snacks and coffee, listened to music, meditated on gratitude, did some journaling, and shared and connected. Some people talked about struggles from feelings of depression or being judged by others. Others spoke of and suggested finding comfort from positive self-talk in those moments, staying present, or talking to trusted people for perspective. Two attendees talked about reaching one year of sobriety and one person had his 4 months' sobriety tracked on his phone in seconds (in the millions!) Everyone clapped for and supported each other.

MSD will certainly build on the clear success of this first alumni session. The plan is to hold meetings every month where alumni can look forward to various programs, snacks, coffee, and resource sharing but—most importantly—connection. Leah-anne Graham, MSD Program Manager, described the Alumni Meetup as “…an amazing representation of the far-reaching impact of the work we do every day.”  To further extend the benefit of these meetups, MSD staff will be invited on a rotating basis so they too can ‘connect’ and be reminded of the positive impact of their work.

 These sample quotes reflect the Meetup atmosphere and the progress and appreciation of attendees:

• "This is where it all starts, things like this. Connection."

• "I don’t have a family. One day someone pointed me towards that door and the Spady became my family. I wouldn’t be here without them." 

• "I used to be so hard on myself that I had spent so many days in the Spady detox. But I've changed my perspective on that; now I know it's one of those days that I would have died if I was out there."

• "I've reconnected with my family—I see my adult son every Sunday and I'm finally able to talk to him openly"

 Note: Special thanks to the Boyle Street Plaza, the very accommodating partner on this initiative who provided space for the Meetup.