Rehab is the best way to recover from an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
But completing it isn’t the end of the recovery journey. You’ll still need to transition your healing into the real world and deal with the challenges of that process.
That’s why aftercare is so important. A good plan can be the difference between a successful long-term recovery and eventual relapse. So, with that in mind, here’s a closer look at how aftercare works and what to expect when you’re ready for it.
What Is Aftercare?
In general, aftercare includes any forms of substance abuse recovery support you receive after completing rehab. That includes:
- Time spent in a sober living home
- Continuing to work with a therapist
- Participating in group meetings
- Other forms of treatment, like holistic healing
The purpose of aftercare is to help you transition from the structure of rehab to the freedom of daily life. This process can be challenging, and doesn’t always end successfully.
With aftercare, you’ll have a dedicated support plan in place to help you make the transition. The specifics of that plan will vary based on the work you do with your care team during rehab. They’ll suggest a personalized aftercare strategy to give you the best odds of a long-term recovery.
Why Aftercare Matters in Recovery
Rehab may be the most intensive stage of substance abuse treatment. But it’s certainly not the only one that matters. Your aftercare plan will play an important role in your healing journey in each of the following ways.
Prevents Relapse
First, aftercare helps to prevent relapse. Studies show this consistently. It’s just much easier to transition your recovery into the real world when you have a team of experts there to help you do it.
It’s hard to predict what challenges the world will throw at you after rehab. Trying to manage all of these yourself while staying sober can be very difficult. But with the right aftercare plan in place, you won’t have to. This ensures you get lasting value from the time you spend in rehab.
Supports Mental and Physical Health
Next, the right aftercare plan will support your mental and physical health. Ongoing therapy can help you manage symptoms that could otherwise derail your recovery, including:
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Physical health challenges
- Stress
- Relationship challenges
Helps Rebuild a Balanced Life
Finally, part of recovering from substance abuse is rebuilding your life. You have to create a healthier way of doing things and stick to that system through challenging times.
Aftercare supports that process by helping you stay focused on your goals. It puts people in your corner, so you don’t have to do all of this alone. That’s another reason why studies consistently show that people who go through aftercare have a higher chance of enjoying long-term recovery.
Top Forms of Aftercare Treatment
You won’t start your aftercare plan until after you complete rehab. But if you think it’s right for you, there are multiple types to consider. Here’s a closer look at some of the forms of aftercare your provider may recommend.
Sober Living
Sober living is one of the most common and effective forms of aftercare. It means moving into a sober home after you complete rehab. These homes are like a halfway step between the full structure of rehab and the full freedom of life on your own.
In sober living, you’ll have to follow rules around:
- Curfew times
- Work requirements
- Household responsibilities
- Drug and alcohol use
- Participating in group therapy sessions and house meetings
These rules are in place to help you stay sober while you adjust to a normal routine. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in ongoing therapy sessions, group meetings, and other healing activities. These continue the work you did in rehab and help you build healthy habits for long-term success.
However, you don’t necessarily have to move into a sober living home to be successful with aftercare. You also have the option of living on your own while participating in the forms of care you need.
Continuing with Therapy
Most aftercare plans have patients continue working with the therapist they began seeing during rehab. This is a great way to transition the work you did in recovery into the real world. Your therapist will help you navigate the unexpected challenges you face and maintain your new sobriety in changing circumstances.
Participating in Group Sessions
Your aftercare plan will also probably include participating in group sessions. These meetings may or may not follow the 12-step philosophy many patients are used to. It depends on the treatment center you choose and your personal preferences, among other factors.
Either way, group sessions provide valuable social support. They help you learn from others’ experiences and benefit from a group’s acceptance of your authentic self. This can make it easier to stay sober as life throws challenges at you.
Which Form of Aftercare Is Right for You?
Now that you know what forms of aftercare are available, it’s time to choose the right fit for your needs. There are two key steps in this process.
Consider Your Life Circumstances
First, think about your life situation when choosing an aftercare program. For example, you may have a family at home to think about. That could make it difficult to move into a sober living facility after rehab — especially if the facility is far from home.
Talk To Your Care Team
Second, talk to your care team about what they think your ideal aftercare program looks like. These experts have spent their lives learning how to help people like you move on from drug and alcohol addiction. Their opinions are worth considering — especially if you don’t have any life circumstances in place stopping you from following them.
Get Started Today with Maverick Behavioral Health
No matter where you’re at in your recovery journey, Maverick is here to help you take the next step. We offer care at every level from detox, through rehab, and into personalized aftercare plans.
So, why wait? Take the first step toward beating your addiction by contacting one of our addiction specialists today.
