Aftercare

Maintaining a sober life means developing healthy habits that can be sustained throughout an addict’s lifetime. While the earlier stages of recovery are often discussed most readily, some of the most important work comes after drug or alcohol addiction treatment ends. Aftercare and sober living programs are important in developing a variety of long-term recovery skills.

What is Aftercare?

The time spent in a rehabilitation facility is often only a small part of recovery from addition. While it is crucial to create a strong foundation, the most challenging work comes after treatment is over. Most people only spend 30 to 90 days in a treatment center, which seems like an insignificant as compared to the following years spent outside of the rehab center while remaining sober and dealing with the challenges of everyday life.

Fortunately, many aftercare programs have been created to help recovering addicts remain sober post treatment. Aftercare programs can provide the support an individual needs to maintain their sobriety while readjusting to the outside world and all of the negative influences that it may bring.

Types of Drug and Alcohol Aftercare Programs

There are a number of options when it comes to aftercare programs for addicts. Choosing a program that best meets your specific individual needs is imperative in laying a strong foundation of sober habits. From coping skills to relapse prevention, aftercare treatment is a fundamental aspect of remaining healthy and sober.

Rehab-Based Programs

Many rehab centers provide their own aftercare programs for patients that have finished their time in the treatment facility. These facility-based programs often provide arrangements into a sober living home, therapy options, medical evaluations, and support groups from people who have completed the same treatment. Many facilities will make these options easily accessible to their patients.

Sober Living Homes

A sober living home is a residence for people to stay while they are recovering from addiction after their time in a drug and alcohol treatment center. Usually, someone who is staying in a sober living home has to contribute to the community by doing chores and following all of the house rules, but are usually able to leave for work or school and return as they please.

The rules, expectations, and community in these special living accommodations give recovering addicts the support and structure they need to ease their transition back to their lives. Some are privately owned, and some homes are owned by larger businesses and organizations. This type of environment can help promote long-term recovery as people adjust to a healthy, sober life.

Sober living homes are a great option to increase the likelihood that someone will remain sober. According to a study by the Alcohol Research Group Public Health Institute, their research found positive outcomes for the 300 individuals they tracked in sober living homes. They found significant improvements in levels of alcohol and drug use, arrests, psychiatric symptoms, and employment.

Therapy and Counseling

There are many types of therapy options for recovering addicts and everyone will respond differently. While treatment usually consists of daily therapy sessions, it is crucial that sessions continue during the aftercare process to remain mentally healthy and stable. It is advised that a newly sober individual attends weekly sessions, whether they be individual sessions or group sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy are among the most popular treatment types.

Support Groups

Well established support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can provide a supportive group of people that a recovering addict can rely on. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are both 12-step programs that have been proven to help individuals get back on their feet. The individuals who are in these support groups can relate to similar experiences and find comfort in each other’s stories. Support groups can provide a judgment free atmosphere, advice and information, and a sense of stability. In addition, families and other loved ones can also partake in these types of meetings.

Aftercare for Addiction Recovery

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40%-60% of individuals who have overcome addition will relapse sometime in their life. The best way to prevent a relapse is to explore drug and alcohol aftercare programs and find the best fit for your needs.

Are you or a loved one looking to enter into an aftercare recovery program? We are here for you and we are here to help.