Life after a long stay at drug rehab can be filled with potential pitfalls. A person may be “cured” and ready to return to normal life, but if they simply return to their old haunts and fall into the same environments in which they used and abused drugs, an eventual relapse could take place. The vast majority of people who relapse after rehab do so in first several weeks. The main reason for relapse is the lack of a personalized and detailed aftercare plan.
Some Components of Aftercare
Halfway houses or sober living facilities can be crucial in an effective aftercare program. These kinds of support homes should be attended for at least three months – ideally more than six. Aftercare can also include working with a sponsor regularly, medication, one on one therapy or ongoing psychiatric evaluation.
Aftercare is concerned with relapse prevention. If we can minimize the triggers that lead to abuse and find strategies to understand and mitigate cravings, we can halt the march back to the old cycles of abuse.
A Change of Scenery can be Key to Maintaining Sobriety
Sober living group homes are usually located in quiet areas and are different from inpatient rehab centers because they offer more freedom. Living in a sober living facility can be the change of scenery an addict needs to ease back into society smoothly. Sober living homes are usually a bit more lax with incoming and outgoing rules, and residents typically have a great deal of freedom as long as they follow the set rules.
Buying one’s own food and paying rent are just two aspects of group home life that give residents a sense of responsibility that is crucial to success and sobriety. This step-down transition back into society is accompanied by random drug testing and qualified counseling.
Keeping one foot in the drug world and one in the sober both world is anathema to recovery; severing ties with old haunts, habits, and people is a vital cog in the machinery of sobriety.
Finding sober friends, post-rehab is a common and valuable tactic. Getting to know regular, sober people and observing their choices and lifestyles can help in maintaining sobriety for the long term.
Aftercare is a Commitment for Life
Aftercare is crucial to long-lasting success because recovery from addiction does not magically stick with a simple 4-6 week long treatment program. Recovery and sobriety are processes that continue for the rest of an addict’s life. Sensitive and tailored aftercare – in the early months after completing a treatment program – can be the difference between lifelong sobriety and relapse.
If you (or somebody you know) is struggling with drug addiction or has recently left a rehab program, contact us or call us today at 866-349-1770. We can help you understand the importance of aftercare and get the help you need.