Aftercare is a vital part of the recovery process, taking the progress a person makes within a recovery program and helping them solidify their recovery for long term success. Addiction does not simply end on the last day of a recovery program. Without ongoing care and processes, relapsing becomes more likely over time.
What is Aftercare?
Detox and rehabilitation are important first steps in substance addiction recovery. This applies to alcohol rehab, drug rehab, as well behavioral programs. The therapies and frameworks used during a recovery program vary from person to person, but what doesn’t vary is the need for follow-up treatment that occurs once the initial rehabilitation program concludes. Aftercare is what follows detox and rehabilitation, referred to as an aftercare program, continuing care program, or post-care recovery.
A post-rehabilitation program is meant to provide continued guidance for people as they move forward with their daily lives. It gives the individual a place to turn to when they need additional help. Aftercare can sustain someone as they begin to re-integrate into daily life.
What is the Purpose of an Aftercare Program?
Simply put, the purpose of aftercare programs is to prevent an individual from experiencing a recurrence, or relapse. Recurrence is a very real possibility after treatment has ended, and many people who complete a recovery program slip into recurrence over time. Some estimates place the number of individuals experiencing recurrence at about 40 to 60 percent. We understand that recovery is not always a straight line, but a process that evolves over time. Many people fall prey to the lure of euphoric recall or physical cravings, but find their way back to the path of recovery.
Recurrences are much more likely to happen when those in recovery do not have a support system in place. This serves to underline the importance of aftercare in any recovery plan. Post-rehab care helps those living with addiction to find ways to create a structured life without substances. It helps maintain long, full, and fulfilling lives that do not rely on outside stimulants.
The National Institutes on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, state that the longer the recovery period lasts, the more likely an individual is to stay drug free.
What Can Be Expected During After Care?
Just as treatment does not necessarily follow the same protocol for each individual, we believe aftercare should be tailored to fit the patient’s needs. It may involve a method of managing impulses and cravings, the remnants of addiction behavior. It may be a series of steps to take when a person sees that they are slipping. Sometimes it is more about preventing triggers that lead to substance abuse than it is about managing urges when they occur.
Some of the benefits and skills learned from aftercare include:
- Coping mechanisms
- Skills to help fight cravings
- Social engagement
- General well-being
Our programs focus on trauma-informed care, addressing each of our clients needs individually. Substance use and addiction often take a severe toll on the human body, and lasting recovery may require healing childhood trauma. Aftercare should include steps that help the body to recover along with the mind.
Some individuals may find that exercise helps to clear their minds while also invigorating the body. Yoga is commonly used, due to its full-body restorative benefits. Others might find great success from walking, running, biking or swimming. Likewise, a healthy diet and sleep schedule is an important part of recovery. These are not actions that can replace group or individual therapy, but they can serve as excellent supplements.
What Are Different Types of Aftercare?
We believe that a sound aftercare program is best when planned well in advance of implementation. A client should leave rehabilitation, in whatever form it takes, knowing they have a plan in place to continue recovery. This will help them feel more confident, stick with the plan longer, and have less fear about facing each day.
What aftercare is for one person may not translate to all people. Some individuals may benefit the most from continued outpatient therapy. They might feel that continuing to have individual therapy sessions is the right choice for managing life after rehabilitation. This could be either a long or short-term plan.
Group therapy is a very popular and useful tool. These sessions allow individuals to talk through their struggles and experiences with others who can truly empathize with the recovery process. Group therapy is often part of a 12 step program, though many individuals prefer to be part of multiple groups.
Sometimes group therapy begins while the individual is still taking part in the rehabilitation program. This is one of the best methods of group therapy because individuals are already familiar with the program and other individuals in the group.
What Are Some Misconceptions About Aftercare?
Some people mistakenly believe that simply having an aftercare program in place following a recovery program is enough to completely avoid recurrence. This is simply not the case. Aftercare helps people remain on the path of recovery,, but they must do the work every day in order to succeed.
Some people also think that aftercare programs have an end date. Post-rehabilitation care never truly ends. Over time, the steps taken to heal the mind and body from addiction become a regular part of life, and cease to be as visible as they are initially. Some may continue going to group therapy sessions indefinitely. Others may find that spiritual services, yoga, or meditation techniques meet their needs.
Aftercare Programs at Integrative Life Center
ILC offers aftercare programs that benefit people in every stage of recovery. We are deeply invested in our weekly alumni meetings. While we do use the term ‘alumni’, ILC clients are encouraged to attend these weekly meetings from their very first day. These weekly meetings help clients build community and connections with others. We also offer special events for our alumni – we love celebrating recovery together through in-person and virtual events.
Call us today at (615) 891-2226 to learn more about our aftercare programs and to see if our services meet your needs.
