Whether you are just entering recovery or are a long-time sober individual, the road to lasting abstinence can be complex. You need to have access to a variety of resources that help you maintain sobriety and build a meaningful life in recovery. This is where an addiction aftercare program comes in. These programs can be in the form of mutual support groups, alumni organizations or other community based activities that promote sobriety and create a supportive community for those who are struggling with drug addiction.
Aftercare is an integral part of drug addiction treatment that helps people transition back into their daily lives in a way that prevents relapse. The goal of aftercare is to support and reinforce the positive changes made during treatment while helping you develop and strengthen the coping mechanisms you learned in rehab. This can be especially important in early sobriety when relapse rates are higher than in later stages of recovery.
The most common aftercare services include supporting sobriety by reducing the risk of relapse, providing a strong support system and addressing other issues that may be contributing to your substance use. Many aftercare services also focus on developing coping mechanisms that you can implement when you are feeling drug cravings or triggered to use drugs again.
Addiction aftercare services can be found in a number of different places, including at your drug treatment facility. Your facility’s treatment team will work with you to identify which aftercare options are the best for your needs and circumstances. A good addiction aftercare program will be flexible and can be modified as your needs change throughout your recovery journey. addiction aftercare program