Aftercare in addiction treatment is vital. If you or a person close to you has recently come out of an addiction treatment program, you may be questioning how to manage your rehabilitation and remain involved in recovery. Aftercare programs are a useful tool in providing organization and guidance after ending conventional addiction treatment, which helps sustain long-term sobriety. In this article, you will discover more about what aftercare programs are, the advantages of addiction aftercare, and how to collaborate with your treatment team to develop a follow-up care plan.
What is Aftercare?
Aftercare, also known as continuing care, is a strategy that provides assistance in the early stages of recovery, discourages relapse, and helps the individual to achieve their employment or lifestyle goals. An aftercare plan includes therapies, interventions, and resources to assist recovering people in coping with temptations, apprehension, and desires that they may encounter when the program is finished. Each person’s plan will differ based on their unique needs.
It is essential to have a plan in place after leaving rehab, as many individuals have difficulty adjusting. The probability of relapse is highest within the initial few months after leaving. Research has shown that approximately between 40% and 60% of individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction will experience a relapse at some point. This rate is similar to other perpetual medical conditions such as type I diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
Planning for aftercare in the early stages of recovery can help reduce the risk of relapse by providing support and allowing one to continue working on the issues related to addiction. Once getting settled in sobriety, a person can start to lend a helping hand to those who are just beginning their sobriety journey.
How to Enter an Aftercare Program
As you approach the completion of your treatment program, you will likely be connected with counselors, therapists, or case managers who will assist you in forming a plan for your post-treatment care. Additionally, you can also partner with an addiction professional or external therapist to devise this plan. Your therapist will take into account your individual circumstances when devising your aftercare plan, for instance, whether you will need to secure housing, a job, or further treatment. The plan will also hinge on your progress in recovery and any ongoing or extended care that might be required.
When you recognize your requirements, you can collaborate with a therapist to discover support systems in your local area and on the internet that can assist you in dealing with these areas. For instance, if you lack sober housing, then discovering a sober living facility will be an essential part of your plan. The length of your aftercare plan will depend on your needs.
Some individuals are in aftercare for weeks or months, while others are for a year or more. Most programs advise that someone remain actively involved in follow-up or aftercare for at least 1 year, and adolescents may need to stay in the program for longer. You can also adjust your aftercare plan over time as your needs and objectives change.
Different Types of Aftercare
Aftercare plans can vary greatly depending on what clients and their treatment team determine is best for them. If transitioning from a prolonged stay in a residential facility, you might need a more intensive type of follow-up care, such as Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP). On the other hand, if you are transitioning from an outpatient program, your aftercare plan could be less demanding and not necessitate regular appointments. The crucial factor is that your aftercare strategy is regularly reevaluated to address your changing requirements. Common types of aftercare include:
Support Groups
Aftercare plans push for involvement in support groups as a component of your continued treatment. Support groups are a conglomeration of individuals who understand the hardship of addiction and in reassuring group settings, confidentially assist one another in sustaining abstinence and sobriety.
A number of mutual support groups exist to help those struggling with addiction, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which are based on a 12-step program and have a spiritual emphasis. Self-governed and directed by people who have recovered from addiction, there are also non-spiritual groups like SMART Recovery, which use a different approach but still strive to help individuals remain abstinent and lead a healthy life. Support groups may be guided by professionals to aid those in recovery in connecting with others who have similar experiences and to gain a better understanding of their addiction.
Medication Management
The regular use of medication to treat and aid in recovering from alcohol or drug addiction combined with a mental health condition can be significant. It has the potential to reduce cravings depending on the type of substance that is being abused. During the detoxification period, medicine might be used to lessen or even prevent the occurrence of uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal side effects. If you are already on a prescribed medication regimen, it is imperative to keep track of symptoms, make adjustments if necessary and be aware of any potential side effects through consistent follow-up appointments with your prescribing provider.
Sober Living
Recovery housing offers an atmosphere that is conducive to continuing to recover, being healthy, and being free of any substances. It can be advantageous for those who have been through more intensive types of treatment to transition into recovery housing to aid them in avoiding stressful situations (like a particular home or certain individuals) that could provoke them to use drugs.
Benefits of Aftercare in Addiction Treatment
The most productive addiction rehab plans involve personalizing treatment to the needs of the individual. There isn’t a standard timeline for formal treatment or aftercare programs, but research has revealed that longer periods of treatment result in more favorable outcomes. As the person’s development is assessed by treatment experts, their continuing care plan may need to be altered. Potential advantages of addiction aftercare programs include:
Support
The idea that addiction is a chronic illness, one that can’t be cured but rather managed, is the foundation for the importance of addiction aftercare. It is a continuum, a long-term process that requires ongoing treatment and support, even after a person has completed formal treatment. To restore a life that has been ravaged by addiction, it’s necessary to have access to therapy and support groups. It doesn’t happen overnight, but luckily there is help available to help people rebuild.
Develop Coping Skills
People often utilize coping mechanisms to abstain from substance use. It’s impossible to stay away from stressors and prompts that could induce an individual to use drugs again. However, the cultivation of healthy coping strategies is achievable. This process begins during treatment and continues into aftercare programs. Attending counseling and support groups can assist in constructing and perfecting coping strategies which can be put into practice when someone has cravings for drugs or is tempted to use them.
Relapse Prevention
Abstaining from drugs and alcohol is the primary aim of rehabilitation. As a result, the most significant danger for individuals who have finished therapy is a backslide. A large portion of the assistance given by aftercare programs centers around averting relapse. To be sure, minimizing the possibility of relapse is one of the most significant advantages of addiction aftercare.
What if I Relapse?
It is common for individuals to experience a setback during their recovery from substance abuse, but this does not signify that their treatment is unsuccessful. In reality, the rate of relapse for such issues is comparable to that of other conditions such as diabetes. If you are going through signs of relapse which include intense cravings for drugs or alcohol, or if you find yourself in situations or around people with whom you used to use substances, it is essential to seek assistance immediately.
You could turn to your support network, mutual aid groups, your sponsor, medical professionals, or people close to you whom you trust. Relapse is a common occurrence in recovery and does not at all mean that you failed.
Aftercare in Addiction—Knoxville, Tennessee
At Knoxville Recovery Center, the root causes of substance abuse are directly confronted to facilitate healing. Every patient is given a personalized treatment program to help them shake off the oppressive effects of their addiction and become productive citizens. In addition to counseling from professionals with master’s degrees and other holistic therapies, clients also receive individual and group therapy sessions.
You don’t need to struggle anymore. We can help you break free from your addiction. Our extensive plans and services can provide you with treatment to get rid of your addiction and help you become hopeful for the future. Contact us right away so that we can help you reclaim your life. We are here for you.
