Why Aftercare Is Critical For
Addiction Recovery
Millions of people struggle with drug abuse and addiction. Although it is a common and debilitating disorder, drug addiction is treatable. Addiction is a chronic illness, similar to diabetes or arthritis. These conditions, like substance abuse, are lifelong and do not have a “cure.” However, they can be effectively managed and treated with therapy, counseling, and medically-assisted detox.
Like all chronic illnesses, it’s critical that patients in recovery for drug addiction have access to a team of doctors and specialist for ongoing maintenance and aftercare of their disease. Just like a person with diabetes would not get a diagnosis and never do anything to manage their illness, a person diagnosed with addiction will need to continuously treat and manage their disorder to maintain sobriety and good health.
What is aftercare?
Achieving sobriety is a huge accomplishment. But treatment for drug addiction doesn’t stop after a person successfully detoxes and withdrawals from drugs. Aftercare is a type of ongoing treatment service that is given to people in recovery from drug addiction after they achieve initial sobriety. Aftercare can take the form of inpatient rehab or intensive outpatient rehab services.
About 10% of the U.S. adult population struggles with a substance use disorder, and relapse rates for substance use disorders can be as high as 60%. But patients who take advantage of aftercare services experience lower relapse rates than people who do not participate in aftercare programs.
What are some of the other resources available in aftercare programs?
For people who’ve been addicted to drugs, they often experience ongoing, systemic issues to maintaining their sobriety. They may have difficulty finding a job that will support them or securing safe and affordable housing. People who’ve struggled with drug addiction may also face legal hurdles that can be incredibly distressing to navigate. Stress and worry can be significant triggers for drug use and can cause someone to relapse. Aftercare programs can give patients access to the following resources which can help them live a drug-free, less stressful life:
- Career counseling and support
- Legal advice and support
- Long-term support through major, life transitions
- Case management
- Substance monitoring
- Coaching and goal-setting
- Community building
- Academic support
- Financial planning and budgeting support
Aftercare usually entails less hands-on, direct support from clinicians and doctors, unlike during the withdrawal and detox phase. Once a patient safely detoxes from drugs, they need help, encouragement, and advice on how to maintain their sobriety from experienced therapists, counselors, and social workers. Unfortunately, people who’ve struggled with addiction often don’t have those support systems in place in their personal lives. They may not have family who can help them, or their family may be a trigger for their drug use. Patients who are in recovery from drug addiction can significantly benefit from supportive aftercare programs.
These programs can assist them with obtaining legal counsel, budgeting, and getting a job that will support them outside of the treatment facility. Less stress, fear, and uncertainty with how they will manage outside of treatment can significantly reduce a patient’s chances of relapse. Studies show that people who attend aftercare support programs experience fewer instances of relapse than patients who do not receive aftercare support.
How can drug addiction patients find aftercare support programs?
Many licensed detox and rehab centers offer aftercare support programs for their patients. It’s critical that patients take advantage of these programs after they achieve initial sobriety. Aftercare support programs can help patients navigate sober living outside of the treatment facility, making a recovery from addiction less stressful. Successfully navigating life outside of treatment can also give patients the confidence they need to maintain their sobriety and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Most people in recovery only need aftercare support for about three to six months, but support programs can last for more than a year if someone needs the services.
Are you struggling with addiction, and don’t know where to turn for help? South Bay Intensive’s Behavioral Health has helped hundreds of people achieve and maintain sobriety with customized aftercare support programs for drug addiction. Representatives are standing by to answer any questions you may have about outpatient support programs. Please contact South Bay Intensive today to explore your treatment options.
Add to this plan one critical factor, a sense of purpose, and you are well on your way towards a lifelong pursuit of happiness.
What is aftercare? Are you curious about staying sober after treatment? Aftercare is part of the plan to help you begin a lifelong path towards freedom from substances. Ongoing care and management are essential, while mental health issues may need to be addressed and resolved.
For people who’ve been addicted to drugs, they often experience ongoing, systemic issues to maintaining their sobriety. They may have difficulty finding a job that will support them or securing safe and affordable housing. People who’ve struggled with drug addiction may also face legal hurdles that can be incredibly distressing to navigate. Stress and worry can be significant triggers for drug use and can cause someone to relapse. Aftercare programs can give patients access to the following resources which can help them live a drug-free, less stressful life:
What is Aftercare?
Learning how to remain sober is a process. It begins right after you finish treatment for substance abuse and addiction at a facility, such as our southern California rehab center. Although treatment begins after detox, it may continue as the person learns more about the causes of their addiction and the ways to prevent relapse. With the thought that relapse can certainly happen, the purpose of aftercare is to get back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
Aftercare involves:
Prevention of Relapse
Studying how to stay sober is an enormous part of the recovery process when dealing with addiction. Also, managing stress is an integral part of preventing a relapse. If longstanding abuse has altered the brain, you must follow through with aftercare solutions. Since addiction impacts both mental and physical health, you might need continued counseling and therapy.
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can help with being surrounded by a group of people with similar experiences. Sharing challenges and achievements with a group other than your family members may prove to be an emotionally positive experience as well as cathartic release. There are many types of mutual aid groups, including those sponsored by a church or community.
Aftercare May Help With Other Needs
Life after treatment will still have challenges, and needs will remain intact. Quality aftercare can help you find resources by using some of the following:
Those who are recovering can also join a sports league or creative arts program as a therapy method.
A safe home, income, and meaningful daily activities will help you develop resilience towards the challenges that life brings. While some families champion the person in recovery, others may experience familial stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, anxiety, loss, grief, and isolation.
