Reasons Aftercare Should Be a Part of Your Recovery

Reasons Aftercare Should Be a Part of Your Recovery

Attending a rehabilitation facility is a step in the right direction towards recovery. Drug and alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to stop on your own and getting help just makes this difficult situation much easier across the board. Finally detoxing off these addictive substances, and then being in an environment that teaches you how to cope with life without them, gives you the security and a foundation to which you can build off of. 

Once you get through your treatment though, you may be wondering what happens next? Leaving the cushy setting of rehab that makes you feel uber protected from the triggers and cravings of the outside world, can be daunting for you in your quest for sobriety. What has to happen is getting you a plan for aftercare in your pursuit of long-term recovery.

What is aftercare?

Relapse prevention is something that should be strongly pondered before you leave your rehab. As you get back into the real world, your recovery program should be tweaked to support the conditions you will entering in because history could repeat itself. Now that treatment is over and you are at a higher risk of relapse in early sobriety, your cravings and stress should be examined to establish the best scenario to give you more consecutive “one days at a time”. You may be in a period of cessation from drugs and alcohol, but your addiction is still there waiting for you to literally slip up. With the practice of putting your recovery first by using aftercare to your advantage, you can continue to work on the issues surrounding your addiction. The point is to make your recovery stronger than the urges you could get to drink and use so that your chances increase to stay sober for the long haul

How are aftercare plans composed?

As your time comes to an end in your treatment facility, your case manager, therapist, or counselors will come up with a plan that is suited just for you. Elements that are considered are your employment, additional treatment time, and housing. Looking at the obstacles you might possibly be facing is important to consider because everyone is different and there is no cookie-cutter way for everyone to exit rehab. Everyone’s time will be different, and everyone’s circumstances will also be different. Some people, for instance, will need to go to a sober living facility to better transition into a sober lifestyle while others may need to continue doing outpatient treatment to have a better chance at remaining sober. By looking into all areas of your life as a way to protect you from a relapse, you will have a better shot at being able to combat anything that comes in the form of your addiction. 

What could my aftercare entail?

A specific plan will be laid out for you to follow. Activities such as participating in the alumni program at your treatment facility, taking part in an outpatient program, mapping out 12-Step programs, finding the best ways to be of service, or attending additional therapy are looked at. Plus, exercise, meditation, and holistic therapies will be discussed as a regular part of your recovery measures that will be instrumental to continually solidify your recovery foundation. 

How long do I have to do aftercare?

Technically, you should be doing aftercare for as long as you want to stay sober, but the suggestion from your rehab is typically up to a year. Again, the recommendation will be different for everyone depending on their situation although a year is a good amount of time to give you the ability to stay sober through every holiday; and prove that strength comes from continually working a program that is laid out just for you. 

What if I disregard the suggestion of aftercare?

You, of course, are going to do what you think is best and the hope is that you would want to follow the direction of healthcare professionals who have been treating people who suffer from addiction during their tenure. They have seen the fall out of those who think they have their recovery in the bag and then go on to relapse. They have also seen those who have gone on to see success in their recovery from the willingness they show to do the aftercare that has been advocated for them. These healthcare professionals have a good idea of what it takes to get, and more importantly, stay sober so that you can live the life that was meant especially for you. You may not like to be told what to do, although this is an excellent time to let go of your old ideas and let new ones that represent recovery take effect. 

You deserve to have the chance to grow in your sobriety in an aftercare program that will work just for you. By being willing and honest with the people who will be aiding in your plan, you will finally get the chance to recover. 

Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463