Our Philosophy

The disease of addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful. It causes the chemically dependent person and their family members to live a dysfunctional, lonely life of despair. Many chemically dependent persons have broken this cycle by developing a healthy personal recovery program, which they wish to share with others suffering from this disease.

One of the central principals of 12-step programs says that order to stay clean and sober, the recovering person must share (give away, or give back) what he or she has gained in the program. This is why the Alumni Association was formed, and why it continues to stay active in the lives of its members.

The primary purpose of the Austin Recovery Alumni Association is to help every Austin Recovery Alumni to stay clean and sober. It is intended that the alumni program provide a bridge between treatment and a sustainable sober life.

This is done when Austin Recovery Alumni members share their “experience, strength, and hope” with clients while they are still in either in-patient or out-patient programs, or by welcoming them into the Alumni Association when they discharge from treatment and begin their new life in recovery. Alumni can also serve by helping new graduates find a 12 step recovery home group and by introducing them to the world of recovery in the Austin Area.

It should be noted that Austin Recovery Alumni is not intended and never should become a substitute for a 12-step recovery program. However, the founders of the alumni group and the staff at Austin Recovery believe participation in such programs can and will greatly enhance the recovery of those who choose to participate and those with whom they come in contact.