Alumni Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there an Alumni Association?

The purpose of the BFC Alumni Association is to assist alumni of the Betty Ford Center in the lifelong pursuit of recovery from the effects of alcohol and drug dependency. We are a group of alcoholics, addicts and their families who help and encourage each other in making the transition from treatment at the Center to active involvement in Twelve Step recovery programs. Based on our experience, we’ve learned staying connected is the key to long-term sobriety. 

Isn’t participation in Twelve Step meetings and “working a program” enough?

Yes, it could be 'enough', but if there is an opportunity for 'more than enough', why not take advantage of it? Interaction with other alumni from Betty Ford can give us extra “ammunition” against relapse. Alumni share a common beginning experience in our sobriety and recovery. As alumni, we can participate in on-line chat meetings, social events such as holiday parties, summer outings, potlucks and informal dinners, as well as the annual Anniversary Weekend. We have the additional, powerful opportunity to share our recovery as a family. This unique aspect is extremely important in deepening our relationships and enhancing our lives.

How do I participate in the Alumni Association if there is no BFC Alumni Chapter where I live?

Keep in touch with the Center, participate in the Wednesday evening on-line chat meeting, attend the Anniversary Weekend in November, and call, write or email alumni, including those you met while you were in treatment.

If there is no Alumni Chapter where I live, can I start one? How?

Call, email or write to Alumni Services at BFC, and we will walk you through the procedure to form a Chapter. You need at least six months of sobriety before taking on this task. 

What if I don’t like the way the local Chapter is organized?

All Chapters should be organized, as are the Twelve Step meetings, with group conscience as the guiding policy. If you are unhappy with a meeting, talk with other members to see if they are concerned. If there is a consensus that there should be changes, take a Chapter inventory and discuss (in an orderly way) the problems and possible solutions. If no agreement can be reached, please get in touch with Tammy Placencia in Alumni Services for help in resolving the issues. Please don’t just stop attending! Be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Can I go to an Alumni Chapter meeting in a city where I am visiting?

Please do! You will be more than welcome to join any BFC Chapter meeting – they are for ALL alumni. It is probably wise to call the Chapter contact first to make sure there hasn’t been a last minute change of some sort (time or location).

What is the purpose of an Alumni Contact?

An Alumni Contact is an alumnus who lives near you who has agreed to be available to assist in making the transition from treatment at BFC to active involvement in Twelve Step meetings in your area. In most cases, your contact will have at least six months of sobriety and should be working a strong recovery program. The contact can introduce you to others in recovery and help you find the meetings that meet your needs. This is someone who shares the “Betty Ford experience” with you, a person who has made the transition and understands what that is like. Alumni can answer many of your questions and tell you some of the local “customs” in the meetings. Your contact is someone to call and is a good way to keep in touch. Good alumni contacts look forward to meeting you and helping you get started. Please don’t hesitate to call. However, if, for any reason you have problems with your contact (they don’t return your call, you can’t reach them or if they are not sober) call the BFC alumni office and request another contact.

What is an RAV?

A Regional Alumni Volunteer (RAV) is an alumnus who has proven sobriety and is willing to make a commitment of time and effort to be of service to fellow alumni in specific regions of the United States and Canada. The RAV works in close collaboration with Alumni Services in support of the wide range of programs that are offered through the Betty Ford Center primarily focused on helping patients transition to their home community and connect with ongoing recovery tools. 

I need a lesson in Latin – Please explain “alumnus, alumni, aluminum, etc….

Alumnus (plural: Alumni) – one who has attended or graduated from
Alum – Shortening of alumnus or alumna
Alumna (plural: Alumnae) – feminine of alumnus