When asked to explain Gratitude Night to someone who’s never experienced it, I’m often at a loss. To succinctly describe what Gratitude Night is, in terms of its purpose and importance, is almost impossible. The meaningfulness of the event is quite simply enormous. Here’s a bit of what Gratitude Night means to me.
It’s why we do what we do. I can confidently speak for the entire staff when I say that we are unified in what motivates us to perform our jobs. We fully understand the life and death consequences associated with addiction treatment and recovery – and like anything that you’re too close to – some days it’s hard to see the positive results. This year has been challenging, as we’ve already learned of four alumni who not only suffered relapse, but also lost their lives due to the disease of addiction.
Gratitude Night allows us to focus on the positive results of our efforts. To see people who have come through our doors, reclaimed their lives and are now thriving in recovery…there’s simply nothing better!
Our incredible staff is rewarded for the hard work they do. The Alternatives in Treatment staff works tirelessly, often under great strain, because they fully understand the importance of their role in helping others. No paycheck can justly reward people for the efforts and the sacrifices made by each member of our staff. Gratitude Night is a chance for staff to celebrate, be celebrated and celebrate one another. Well deserved.
A milestone for alumni! Gratitude Night plays an important role for our alumni who are working their plan to maintain sobriety. Their ability to connect with this place and thank specific members of staff for encouraging, educating and believing in them is powerful. Sharing their story with members of our current client population, encouraging them to stay strong and showing them the blessings of recovery is poignant. Such sharing is a gift for everyone involved in the process.
Inspiration for current clients. We all know that in the early stages of alcohol and drug addiction recovery, maintaining hope for a future entirely different from the present can be frightening. Seeing alumni who have come through our addiction programs and now celebrate a life in recovery is important for current clients to experience. Gratitude Night also allows current clients to take a break in the action; and extend gratitude toward staff, while in a new environment. Additionally, just witnessing the gratitude expressed between alumni and staff lends validation to the treatment program as a whole. Clients are able to connect the dots between addiction treatment and recovery.
Like years past, the 2012 Gratitude Night was everything we hoped it would be. From our entire staff, a BIG “thank you” to everyone who participated!
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