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Each year, millions of Americans struggle with the hardship that is addiction. It is a disease that affects all aspects of a person’s life, from their physical and mental health to their family lives and job performance. Despite just how widespread addiction is, only an estimated 11 percent of people seek help – with many avoiding treatment because they think it’s a short term solution that won’t provide the support that they need.
Getting help for your addiction does not just mean going through treatment and then returning back to your daily life. Real healing and sobriety comes from continued care in the form of addiction aftercare programs, which are designed to be started after you complete rehab. These programs help you to avoid relapse by supporting you mentally and emotionally on your recovery journey for as long as you need them.
Just as with rehab programs, there are quite a few different aftercare programs that you can choose from. Many people start with a more intensive program, and step down to less intensive ones whenever they are ready. This helps you to build an addiction aftercare program that best suits your individual needs.
The most commonly utilized type of aftercare for long-term recovery are support groups. These can be either 12-step groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, non-12-step groups, and peer support groups. All of these groups usually aim to have meetings in the evenings during the week, so that it is easier for people to go to them and still take care of their other responsibilities.
No matter what type of support group you choose to join, they will all be somewhat similar. Meetings will be held at the same time on set days each week. You will be given the opportunity to discuss your own journey in finding sobriety, as well as any struggles or setbacks you may be dealing with. Being able to share this in a group of people who understand just what it is you are going through means that you will get good advice and support on how to stay sober.
Less restrictive than a sober residence, outpatient aftercare programs allow patients to return home after attending treatment at the facility. You will likely start with daily visits to the facility, and as you complete treatment your required visit duration and frequency will decline. Outpatient aftercare is a great option for people who have a stable home with a solid support system. It also opens up the option for you to be able to still go to work or school, or take care of your family.
These programs are most commonly utilized immediately after someone has completed rehab. They are a very important option for people who do not have a stable residence to go back to, especially if there are still drug users or enablers living in the home. Sober living is also a good option for people who do not have a strong support network in place to help keep them accountable outside of rehab.
You can choose to stay at a sober residence for a short period of time in order to transition back into your home, or to find a new place to live. They can also be utilized as a long-term solution for those without a stable home. Sober living usually begins with more restrictions, such as curfews and having to sign out before you go anywhere. Over time, if you follow your treatment plan you will be given more freedom. This helps you to learn how to manage your time wisely, without resorting to using drugs or alcohol once again.
Addiction aftercare isn’t just aimed at keeping you sober – many programs also offer additional services to help you to rebuild your life. Many people experience additional issues in their life that stem from their addiction, such as unemployment, housing problems, legal issues, and more. Some of the addition services you may be able to benefit from include:
Addiction treatment does not just end when you have completed a detox and rehab program. Your best chances of success in finding lasting recovery from your addiction involves addiction aftercare. Most drug rehab facilities will help you to decide on the right addiction aftercare program before you leave rehab. While the idea of having to attend programs or meetings for weeks, months, or even years after rehab may seem overwhelming, it truly isn’t. The goal of aftercare is to help you get back on track to a healthy and independant life, and to provide you support for as long as you need it.
Attending a quality addiction aftercare program after rehab has been shown in numerous studies to significantly improve your chances of avoiding relapse. So don’t let your fear of long-term recovery treatment hold you back. Addiction aftercare just provides you with one more weapon against relapse, and provides you with a community of people to turn to when things are tough. If you are dealing with an addiction and are ready to get help, contact us today.
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