Completing a rehab program for addiction is a major step forward in one’s journey to recovery. However, rehab is the first step toward rebuilding life and relearning positive habits that support healing. Crucial for success post-rehab is a clinically sound and supportive aftercare program.
Rehab programs that include aftercare as part of overall treatment reduce relapse risk and improve long-term outcomes. Aftercare programs connect individuals to support systems, professional care, and provide a pathway to life in recovery.
Rehab is Step One in Recovery
Entering a rehab program for addiction marks a significant moment in an individual's recovery. Agreeing to dedicate their efforts to facing their addiction and doing the hard work is the ultimate display of self-love. However, when it comes time to leave the structure and boundaries rehab provides, that’s when the hard work truly begins.
External environments aren’t cultivated to prevent substance abuse or limit exposure to triggers. After completing rehab, individuals return to their normal lives and familiar settings. These settings may invoke feelings of temptation or be filled with environments they’d like to escape.
That’s why continuing care after rehab is important to rebuilding a healthy life structure. These plans can identify the potential for relapse and manage risks with thoughtful aftercare in addiction recovery.
Addiction is a Chronic Condition
Dedication and desire to recover are important components in recovery, but they don’t change the chemical realities of addiction. Addiction is chronic and is something that individuals will manage for their lifetimes.
Just like other illnesses and health conditions, long-term management and monitoring are essential for success. Aftercare plans that include continuance of therapy, prescription support, and networks can provide much-needed structure to maintain progress.
New Coping Skills Need Nurturing – and Refinement
Individuals in recovery come from every walk of life and with varying levels of tolerance to stress. Recovery requires new coping skills and strategies to deal with stress and temptation. Individuals may be learning these skills for the first time as they recover from addiction.
Building new habits takes time, on average approximately 66 days. If a patient has completed a 30-day rehab program, that’s an exciting milestone. However, 30 days represents less than half the time needed to establish new habits.
Behaviors can be learned, but have the greatest success and retention when nurtured and reinforced as they become second nature. An aftercare plan might include check-ins from care navigators, support groups, and therapy which support sustained recovery.
Long-Term Management and Aftercare Reduce Relapse Potential
There’s a saying in business that what gets measured gets managed and it’s no different in recovery. When your progress, habits, and mental state are monitored with professional support, recovery can be well-managed. Screenings for relapse triggers can identify early warning signs and prevent overdoses and even death.
When patients are consistently engaged in their recovery journey, accountability becomes part of daily life. Knowing that therapy sessions and appointments are scheduled can reduce relapse and encourage the application of learned coping skills.
Medically-Assisted Treatment Plans Can Continue
Prescription medications that deter substance abuse can be life-changing for individuals in recovery. The knowledge that these medications reduce temptation can be enough to deter relapse. Plus, the side effects of substance use while receiving these medications can deter and even scare individuals from using.
Medically assisted treatment plans are key components of recovery. These treatments help maintain the deterring aspects of medication and continue medical observations.
Administering physicians will also have regular check-ins with their patients during their appointments. These encounters provide an additional opportunity to observe for potential relapse cues. Physicians may make referrals for additional care, propose new treatment, and elevate concerns to key providers.
Social Connections and Support Systems Can Be Nurtured
The social circle that someone managing addiction returns to after rehab may present risks to recovery. When aftercare plans include the continuation of social support systems, patients can healthily broaden their social group.
An aftercare plan may facilitate structured meetings and discussion groups, or could simply be social in nature. A weekly coffee meet-up, monthly book club, or quarterly group outing can keep individuals connected with people on similar journeys. Support groups for addiction recovery provide a safe, reliable space to connect, share, and build healthy relationships.
It’s easy to feel alone while battling addiction, and the co-occurring issues that often exist. With a strong social network of like-minded individuals, people in recovery can avoid relapse and rebuild healthy lives.
Sober Housing Provides Structure, Freedom, and Accountability
A person‘s home life greatly influences how they experience the outside world. Some people benefit by transitioning into sober housing after rehab. This is especially true if previous living arrangements hinged on substance use or involved cohabitating with others in addiction.
Individuals with housing insecurity, and those needing a clean break from their old lives, can benefit from sober housing. The structure and community accountability of sober living naturally facilitates adherence to recovery plans.
Plus, with the basic need of secure housing handled, individuals can focus on rebuilding other core aspects of their lives. From mental health to employment to family relationships, sober housing can unlock success in recovery.
Care More, Recover More
An aftercare program is critical for recovery and is the ultimate pathway toward healing. Get connected to professional care, peer support, and medical expertise to maintain the progress made in rehab. Adjusting to life after rehabilitation can be challenging, and aftercare provides the structure and support individuals need to thrive.
