Aftercare Support

Aftercare programs consist of follow up treatments after the completion of rehab programs.

Aftercare programs help patients’ transition from a life of rehab to a life of independence so they could be productive members of society. This program provides patients with services such as counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and nutrition planning.

Aftercare programs provide recovering patients with a feeling of closeness, intimacy, and a sense of community while also reducing the chances of a relapse. It gives patients the opportunity to continue with treatment while addressing life complications that may arise after leaving rehab.

Most recovery centers run their own aftercare services. The nature of these services differs greatly. Examples of aftercare programs offered by certain recovery centers include sober-living plans, follow-up counseling, medical examinations, and alumni support groups.

A sober living home is a residential facility for patients recovering from substance addiction. Some of these facilities are associated with recovery centers and government agencies, while others are operated independently. Sober living homes are found throughout the United States but are more prominent on the West Coast, especially in California. According to several reports, these facilities have been found to improve the probability of a prolonged recovery. Although most sober living homes are built for temporary residence lasting less than one year, others provide long-term alternatives. Although every sober home works under a particular set of rules, most have certain features in common, including a commitment from all occupants to stay sober, strict policies and curfews, and shared living expenses. Many sober living facilities enforce a stricter set of guidelines for new members, which gradually lessen over time.

Therapy and counseling appointments conducted regularly at inpatient centers are often the most important aspect of the recovery process. These services help patients address their psychological dependence on alcohol while also treating underlying issues and co-occurring disorders. Newly sober patients are usually recommended to attend weekly meetings, which progressively reduce to bi-weekly and monthly meetings as their sobriety stabilizes. Therapy and counseling are extremely important for patients with a dual diagnosis.

Some of the most common therapies for alcoholism include:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Experiential Therapy
• Faith-Based Drug Rehab
• Biofeedback Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Holistic Therapy
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy

It is highly advised that all recovering patients regularly attend support groups, particularly during early sobriety. Support groups are comprised of communities of recovering patients and families of substance abuse. These gatherings provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to talk freely, void of all judgments. Support groups are vital as members provide each other the support and guidance they require while also holding each other accountable for their actions.

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is by far the most recognized and most widely attended substance abuse organization in the US and around the world. Although most support groups function under a faith-based program, there are supports groups available that follow alternative methods.

• Develop a rehabilitation program that includes setting goals and achieving those goals.
• Learn how to understand and cope with negative emotions.
• Find supportive and healthy living methods.
• Organize and establish an everyday living routine and schedule.
• Discover and visit at least two support groups to find the one that best suits you.
• Find and attend a therapist or counselor.
• Build a support system to help manage cravings.
• Include physical activities or exercises daily.

• Maintain regular interactions with support groups (at least once a week or more.)
• Attend therapy or counseling at least once a week.
• Maintain a recovery journal that includes impulses and how you conquered them.
• Visiting a career counselor and discussing professional goals.

• Initiate repairing broken or damaged relationships.
• Develop short- and long-term goals (with a financial planner.)
• Focus on a long-term goal.
• Try out new hobbies.

• Celebrate significant recovery milestones (especially 6-month and 1-year achievements.)
• Help new recovering patients achieve your level.
• Develop five and ten-year plans (professional, personal, and financial.)
• Search for more or new motivational ways to keep your mind occupied.