It’s no secret that word-of-mouth referrals are a significant part of any marketing strategy. And for owners and operators of alcohol addiction treatment centers, word-of-mouth marketing plays an especially important role—especially when coming from alumni of your program. Alumni speak to their experience in your program, and they’re often embedded in 12-step and other recovery groups. There, they hope to make a difference helping other people struggling with addiction disorders.
Actively working to keep your alcohol treatment alumni engaged with your center doesn’t just position your program top-of-mind for referrals. It also provides your alumni with a social support network for their long-term recovery, which plays a critical role in helping to prevent relapse.1
The Importance of Sober Social Gatherings for Alcohol Rehab Alumni
Holding sober gatherings and events encourages alumni to continue their involvement with your center and gives them a model for how to socialize without alcohol.
Your treatment center’s alumni need to relearn how to navigate a world where alcohol consumption is prevalent in a wide variety of social settings. Research shows that 40% of attendees at sports games leave with an increased blood alcohol content level.2 And 60% of companies serve alcohol at holiday parties!3 In this culture, socializing with a potential trigger for relapse just a few feet away can be difficult for those in recovery.
By hosting sober events for your treatment center’s alumni, you’re providing a safe space for those who’ve successfully completed your program to relearn how to navigate social spaces. These events help build camaraderie, provide a social foundation, and support your alumni all at the same time.
Ideas for Sober Social Gatherings
But what exactly should you do with your alumni? What kind of gatherings are meaningful? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Recovery meetings – Let’s kick off with the basics: 12-step or other recovery meetings! If you have the capacity and space to host an autonomous meeting group, these will bring alumni in the door and create a strong support system.
- Holiday parties – Alcohol plays a major role in many of our traditional celebrations, like Christmas, New Year’s, the Super Bowl, and St. Patrick’s Day. Providing sober alternative social gatherings around these events helps ground your alumni in their recovery.
- Proms and dances – Some people fear that getting sober means they won’t get to have big, silly fun anymore. But you can prove that isn’t the case!
- Cookouts and potlucks – Who doesn’t love a cookout? When the weather is nice, all it takes is a grill or even just a long table of dishes and you’ve got a great gathering in the works.
- Tea parties – If you want to have fun with a theme, why not throw a nice tea party? Cute finger foods and beverages will make sure no one is focusing on the lack of alcohol.
- Film screenings – If there’s a new movie or show your rehab alumni might particularly enjoy, set up a watch party or screening to enjoy it together and discuss the film afterward.
Of course, you are the most knowledgeable about what will work for your specific addiction treatment center and alumni groups!
Alcohol Rehab Alumni Marketing Builds Camaraderie
Providing a safe space for your alcohol rehab alumni is an excellent mission-driven marketing strategy. By combining exciting events, a safe gathering place, and helpful education, your alumni will remain engaged with their road to recovery. You’ll set an example for your alumni and pave the way for valuable word-of-mouth referrals. It’s a win-win!
Interested in learning more about how you can create a robust program for your treatment center’s alumni to help build community and increase your word of mouth marketing? Dreamscape Marketing can help. Schedule a strategy session by calling 888.307.7304.
For a list of references, please contact us.