Reaching the goal of sobriety after struggling with addiction or other substance use disorder is a significant accomplishment.
The work does not stop after completing the process successfully when receiving specialized treatment through a qualified addiction treatment program. Experiencing the detox and drug withdrawal symptoms are just parts of the beginning step along the path to recovery and living a healthy life where it is possible to stay sober.
With being a specialized type of post-treatment service available to individuals who had recently completed their addiction rehab at the treatment center, aftercare programs are designed to help the patients maximize everything that was learned to maintain the newer healthy and sober lifestyle. Aftercare treatment options are unique in the way that they are available as a part of rehab services.
Programs that are offered by certified addiction and mental health treatment facilities include several resources that are available for those who are continuing to learn to cope with their specific cravings and triggers. Each aftercare plan is tailored to the individual who is receiving it and is based on their needs and preferences. Interventions, activities, and other aspects are used to create each treatment plan.
Some examples of what your plan may include can be:
Creating a schedule of reaching out to members of your support system or sponsor
Attending 12-Step recovery meetings or taking part in other support groups regularly
Continuing to attend group therapy or individual counseling sessions
Opportunity to remain in sober living for a specific time, depending on each situation
Participating in the alumni programs or activities of the treatment center that was attended
For many of those who have found themselves addicted to drugs, there is typically a list of possible challenging issues that are addressed when trying to maintain sobriety. A typical example that is seen frequently is that a great deal of difficulty is often developed when trying to find a job, especially when this job will play the entire role of supporting them or creating a chance to provide affordable housing while being safe and secure.
Struggling with addiction or substance use disorder is also capable of creating a variety of obstacles that are experienced in everyday life. Stressful events such as legal trouble can be significantly troublesome to attempt to navigate through. Feelings of worry and stress should be approached with the utmost importance because of the common relativity to triggers for drug use or causing a relapse for someone in recovery.
Aftercare programs can provide access for their patients to many helpful resources that do nothing but help develop more skills and techniques of maintaining a less stressful and, most importantly, a drug-free life.
Some of these excellent resources that are regularly taken advantage of by many people seeking additional support during their recovery include:
1:1 life coaching and goal setting sessions
Legal support and advice
Support and counseling options when pursuing different career choices
Case management
Community building and opportunities to serve
Substance monitoring
Long-term support for minor to major life transitions
Once a patient has safely completed the detox phase and no longer has the drugs in their system, they rely on support, encouragement, and other assistance to get to the next steps. This typically involves having certified and experienced addiction specialists, and therapists provide patients with much-needed advice and counsel. Patients are taught the best ways to sustain their sobriety and maintain all other responsibilities that may be at home or work while remaining free of all addictive and harmful substances.
Below are a couple of bullet points that each individual can consider as they are recommended as steps to be made in the first 30 days following addiction rehab treatment.
Establish a healthy routine and daily schedule
Find a therapist or counselor you trust
Find living arrangements that coincide with your recovery efforts
Learn to recognize and deal with negative triggers or impulses
Develop a full and healthy recovery plan that includes personal goals
Avoid overloading yourself with too much responsibility
Attend various support groups to find which best suits you and your situation
Establish a workout plan where physical activities that you can participate in regularly
