Over 21 million people have a substance use disorder, but only one in ten get treatment, such as through rehab. If you have sought alcohol or drug rehab support, congratulations. It is a challenging but rewarding step in your recovery.
But recovery does not stop at rehab. When you leave rehab, you have to manage alcohol addiction or drug addiction in the community. Naturally, this can cause a lot of apprehension for people, which is why a post-rehab plan is so important.
Read on to learn all about how aftercare and post-rehab plans work as part of your recovery journey.
What Is Post-Rehab Planning?
Inpatient rehab for alcohol or drug addiction help usually includes a detox. Individuals may also receive other support depending on their rehab program.
But what happens when rehab ends? Your treatment center will work with you to create a post-rehab plan for aftercare. There may be a few staff members from different disciplines to help support you.
The goal is to help you maintain recovery, prevent relapse, and have a life filled with purpose! The aftercare is tailored to you and your individual needs.
The Importance of Aftercare
Drug and alcohol addiction are complex diseases that require a long-term recovery commitment. Seeking help and attending rehab is a huge step. But returning to an old environment without the same level of support can be daunting.
Aftercare helps you maintain your hard work with confidence in the community. It helps keep your mental health and other factors that prevent relapse. Plus, there will be a plan in place if there is a relapse so that you can get back on track as soon as possible.
Mental Health Support
Substance addiction has many causes, including stress, childhood, trauma, and other lifestyle factors. Post-rehab aftercare may include individual therapy to start or continue exploring these factors. Your treatment center will help evaluate if you need therapy, what type and arrange it.
Individual therapy helps identify and understand the underlying causes of your addiction. You develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with difficult emotions and other triggers.
Therapy includes family therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma therapy. Some of these therapies start in rehab, such as family therapy, to help prepare for aftercare.
Aftercare also addresses other mental health needs, such as medications and therapy groups.
Environmental Factors
Post-rehab planning also evaluates your environment and if you can return there. Some patients may not have a home to return to, or the home is too destabilizing. If everything is arranged, you will feel secure and more confident when leaving rehab.
You can consider sober homes as part of your aftercare. These are healthy environments that help you stay sober. You have a daily structure like rehab and other individuals to keep you motivated.
You do not have to worry about negative influences as everyone is supportive of each other. Usually, there are rules, such as drug testing. You might have your own room or share it with someone else.
You may also consider outpatient rehab if you are transitioning from inpatient rehab. Outpatient rehab continues to provide daycare plans for you tailored to your routine. Like sober homes, it makes your transition into the community more gradual.
Biological Needs
Some people experience cravings when returning to places with memories of their addiction. Aftercare may include medication to help lower cravings, along with psychological work.
If you need other medications, your support team will also connect you with a physician.
Social Life
Leaving rehab does not mean losing the invaluable connections you have made there. A positive support network is essential for your recovery and mental health.
Post-rehab aftercare connects you with drug and alcohol addiction support groups. For example, you may attend an alumni program with fellow patients.
You may connect with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). There are lots of options out there, including the 12-step program. You can choose a program that shares your philosophy with like-minded individuals.
For drug addiction help, a similar program to AA is Narcotics Anonymous. You can also consider other sources of support, such as a sponsor.
Healthy Lifestyle
Rehab starts your journey to reclaim your health and life. It is essential to care for your body after adjusting to sobriety and going through a difficult detox.
Rehab aftercare also helps you plan and establish healthy habits to keep well. It could be attending a local exercise class, going for a run, or getting twenty minutes of fresh air each day. You can also plan healthier meals to fuel your body for energy and stable mental health.
During rehab, you might learn other techniques to manage your mental health. For example, you may practice breathing exercises or meditation each day to keep calm.
You might even make a daily schedule when you first leave rehab to help maintain some structure. It can help you maintain good sleep and eating routines, which improves your mood.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse does happen for some people. Relapsing does not mean failure. It is how you recover from a relapse that matters.
Your aftercare will include a relapse prevention plan, so you can follow it if you are struggling. It may consist of steps to take to prevent relapse and for you to know when to call for support.
If you use it, you will also know what action to take to seek help quickly from your aftercare team. Then you can get back on track.
The Importance of Rehab Aftercare
Completing rehab treatment is a fantastic achievement, and you will not be alone when you leave. It can feel daunting to finish rehab, but aftercare planning makes it manageable.
Aftercare focuses on your psychological, physical, environmental, and social needs. It will also help you connect with other forms of support, such as sober homes and support groups. You will create goals and take the next exciting chapter in reclaiming your life.
Let us help you on your recovery journey from addiction. Contact us to learn more about our treatment programs and aftercare options!
