Graduating from treatment is a significant step in your journey towards lifelong sobriety. However, your journey does not end when rehab does. Developing an aftercare plan allows you to prepare for any future obstacles or challenges that may come your way, helping you navigate them while also maintaining your recovery. There are various aftercare programs, which can make it confusing to choose the one that is right for you. By learning about what each program offers and who it is best suited for, you can decide what kind of aftercare is right for your recovery journey.
Addiction is a chronic disease, meaning it will require ongoing, lifelong treatment to prevent relapse. Aftercare is a form of continuing treatment that provides further support for individuals who have completed a rehab program. There are various kinds of aftercare, including sober living homes, therapy or counseling, alumni programs, case management, and support groups.
Depending on the individual’s needs, they can choose which program is best suited for them. They will be given the ongoing support they need to continue on their recovery journey. Learning what each program includes is vital to making this significant decision.
Leaving rehab and transitioning back to daily life is challenging for many people in early recovery. For this reason, some individuals opt for sober living homes, also known as halfway houses. These facilities offer individuals a stable environment with others in the recovery community to practice their coping skills while managing daily responsibilities.
Strict rules are typically in place at sober living homes to help individuals stay on track in recovery. Responsibilities are often shared to help individuals learn accountability and responsibility. You will likely have household chores such as cooking or cleaning while attending meetings conducive to your recovery. Sober living homes are there to prepare you for life in recovery.
Not everyone has the time or resources to go to a sober living home, but this does not mean they have to sacrifice their recovery. Ongoing therapy within an outpatient treatment center is an excellent choice for individuals with jobs, kids, or other responsibilities that do not allow them to move into a sober living home. Within these facilities, you will have the opportunity to go to therapy, have group meetings, and even have medication management.
You will usually attend a couple of days a week for a few hours at a time. Ongoing therapy in outpatient facilities is ideal if you have other responsibilities but still want to prioritize your recovery.
The majority of treatment facilities have alumni programs formed by their previous patients. These programs offer a unique opportunity for you to connect with others you may have met in treatment or those that went through the same treatment facility you did. Over time, you will get to deepen the bonds you made while in treatment in a leisurely fashion. Programs usually have numerous sober events throughout the year for fun, connection, and fellowship.
Some individuals in recovery find case management beneficial as they transition back to the responsibilities of daily life. Your case manager is there to help support you during your recovery journey. They will be one of your top supporters, counselors, and guides. Whether you need help with legal trouble, finding a job, arranging childcare, or affordable housing, your case manager is there to help you through it all. They will help you navigate life after treatment in a way that ensures your recovery is a top priority.
Support groups are another great way to ensure you are still on track in recovery following treatment. These groups are formed by individuals in recovery who want to continue practicing coping strategies and having discussions concerning the process. There are various support groups available depending on your needs or preferences, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, Save Our Selves (SOS), Women for Sobriety (WFS), Celebrate Recovery, and many more.
Some groups follow a more religious-based philosophy; some are made specifically for women, and others may fit other specific niches, such as support groups for the LGBTQ+ community. You can find groups near you by reaching out to your local facility or researching online.
Not every program will work for each individual in recovery, and that’s okay. Considering your needs and goals is crucial when choosing an aftercare program. If you need guidance, talk to your sponsor, therapist, or trusted loved one. Either way, some form of aftercare is recommended to ensure you stay on course in recovery following rehab.
Aftercare programs are great ways to maintain recovery for the long haul following treatment. Transitioning back to daily life can be challenging when you aren’t accustomed to juggling recovery and daily responsibilities. An aftercare program is there to teach you how to do this and more, with benefits extending farther than you can imagine. If you need help choosing or finding an aftercare program near you, NorthStar Transitions is here to help. We offer services to individuals in all stages of recovery and even have an alumni program to connect you with for future reference. Your long-term recovery is our goal, and we will support you however you need during this time. Located in Boulder, CO, we take pride in our environment and attitude toward recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our various inpatient, outpatient, and alumni programs. Through traditional and holistic practices, you are sure to find healing at NorthStar. Call (303) 558-6400.
