Returning to normal life after addiction treatment can be riddled with challenges – and, unfortunately, relapse can be a reality if you don’t take the necessary steps to safeguard your sobriety. Regular aftercare participation after treatment is one of the best predictors of sustained recovery. Studies show that more than half of people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder will drink or use drugs in the year following their discharge from rehab. Further, between 25 to 35 percent of people who complete addiction treatment will be readmitted within one year. Since addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, it makes sense that people living with it continue to receive help and support after they leave a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility. This is just one of the many reasons why involvement in aftercare programs is crucial. Aside from helping to prevent relapse, aftercare can lift the burden of managing life in early recovery alone.

What You Can Expect in Aftercare Programs

Aftercare can be defined as any type of ongoing care you receive after you leave addiction treatment. The most common forms are 12-step meetings, outpatient and partial hospitalization, group counseling, individual therapy and sober living homes. The length of aftercare is based on your individual needs; some people participate for weeks or months, while others commit for a year or more. While each program is different, some of the services that might be offered include:

• Sober coaching
• Sober transportation
• Relapse intervention
• Job search assistance
• Life skills building
• Family support services

The Recovery Benefits

Aftercare programs provide valuable support and tools that can help smooth the transition from life in treatment to a real-world experience with work, school, social and family responsibilities. Taking this next step is a great way to build upon the foundation of recovery skills developed during your residential addiction treatment program. Here’s a look at a few more reasons why aftercare can be an essential part of your long-term recovery plan:

• Community, support and accountability: A big part of participating in aftercare is remaining part of a supportive recovery community with shared goals. Recovery peers provide valuable encouragement; they can help keep you accountable and re-energized as you master this next phase on the road to lasting sobriety. Together, you can work to strengthen your recovery skills and figure out real-life strategies to avoid any risky paths that lead back to old, destructive behaviors.
• Life skills training: Learning life skills is a critical part of living a healthy, sober life. Many men and women struggling with substance use disorders never learned some of the basic skills necessary for successful day-to-day living – for example, how to take care of your mind, body and spirit. An aftercare program can help you learn such life skills as goal setting, accountability, financial responsibility, physical health/wellness and proper communication.

Quality Post-Treatment Care in Austin, TX

If you’ve completed treatment and are looking for a caring, personalized aftercare program, look no further. We can help or someone you love navigate the pitfalls of the first year of recovery. To learn more about our aftercare services, call today: 833-485-0789.