The opposite of addiction is connection. Riverside Recovery’s Alumni Program connects you with others who support sobriety and helps you find activities that can prove difficult without it. We create an environment that enables you to build new and maintain current meaningful relationships with people who can relate, understand, and support your recovery!

When building new connections, service is an integral part of planting your roots in recovery. It is always important to give back what we were freely given, in hopes that someone will also find the gift of recovery. Service works 2-fold by giving you a sense of accountability, responsibility, and belonging, while humbly showing compassion and empathy to others.

Some service opportunities within our Alumni Program include, but are not limited to:

• Opportunities to speak to residential clients at Riverside Recovery. (at least 1yr. of Continuous Sobriety)
• Share your story during Family Weekends and Family Groups (at least 1yr. of Continuous Sobriety)
• Volunteer with non-profit and recovery organizations across Tampa Bay
• Become an Alumni Ambassador.
• Lead monthly Alumni Meetings.
• Assist with Quarterly Events and Celebrations!

Alumni Ambassadors: Our ambassadors are committed to going the extra mile to ensure that everyone feels included and involved. This group comprises Tampa Bay Riverside Alumni who warmly welcome newcomers, guide them through the recovery lifestyle outside of Riverside, and encourage them to have fun in recovery by participating in our quarterly events! Our ambassadors are empowered to unleash their creativity and work together with fellow alumni to bring to life unforgettable experiences through quarterly events, recovery celebrations, and holiday parties.

If you have any questions, or ideas, or would like to get involved in future service opportunities, please fill out the form below or contact our Alumni Coordinator at alumni@rrtampa.com!

Our lives have changed, and now we can help to change others…together!

At Riverside Recovery of Tampa, we focus on the long run, not just one stage of your recovery. We provide a luxury environment and amenities so you can feel serene and at peace with starting your new life in recovery. We sincerely hope you and your loved ones have found the skills necessary to live a life of wellness inside and outside Riverside Recovery. As current Alumni, we would love to hear from you. Your stories are a beacon of hope that helps inspire clients at all levels of care, alumni, and especially our staff. We are eager to see how you’re doing, and how recovery has changed your life! Sharing your journey of recovery doesn’t have to be a finely detailed bibliography or a personal exposé, rather, a story of encouragement and enthusiasm for what your new life of recovery looks like today! Would you be willing to share your story? If so, there are 2 ways!

• Media Highlight: We would love to highlight your recovery milestones and personal stories through photos or videos to share across our Riverside Recovery newsletters, social media platforms, and any other areas where we can share the healing and gratitude that you found at Riverside Recovery! (Signed Release of Information Required)
• In-House: By sharing your story for about 30 minutes in a Residential Group, Family Group/Family weekend, you can give current clients, family members, and staff inspiration, hope, and comfort for what their new life in recovery could be. (at least 1yr. of continuous sobriety required)

Here are some Recovery Story-Telling Tips:

• How it was before recovery (avoid specific names of substances, amounts, how used, etc.)
• How was it during treatment?
• How did you connect to recovery when you left treatment?
• What is your life like now? What are some things that you’ve discovered? Things you’ve learned? Anything you’ve gotten back that you lost in active addiction? Something difficult to do initially, but now worth it?
• Suggestions for Newcomers?
• The importance of sponsorship and getting involved.

You are the proof that recovery works, and it’s worth it!