Overcoming substance abuse disorders requires starting the road to recovery by completing a drug rehab program, such as a residential treatment program or an intensive outpatient program. Once you complete your drug rehab program, you will be in the position to transition to drug rehab aftercare.
What Is Drug Rehab Aftercare?
Drug rehab aftercare is a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, objectives, and goals. The purpose of aftercare is to help you maintain your sobriety in the early days of your recovery.
For example, some people in a residential treatment program find transitioning to an outpatient program beneficial as part of the aftercare to help keep them motivated and focused on living sober. Although, this is just one potential option for an aftercare program.
Aftercare is an essential part of drug rehab recovery. It makes it possible to start to transition back into your normal routines while still receiving the level of addiction treatment support you require to maintain your sobriety.
Is Drug Rehab Aftercare Required?
Drug rehab aftercare is not mandatory after completing your initial drug rehab treatment program. However, aftercare is highly recommended and encouraged. Addiction is classified as a chronic condition that will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Without an aftercare plan in place, there is a high probability you will lapse and eventually experience a full relapse into your former drug addiction. As such, it is crucial to enable yourself with the tools, skills, and support you need to manage your sobriety with a customized aftercare treatment program.
What Are the Benefits of Drug Rehab Aftercare?
Several benefits of drug rehab aftercare include the following:
#1. Treating addiction requires ongoing therapies and treatments.
Just because you have completed drug rehab does not mean you are cured. Since addiction is an ongoing chronic condition, it requires you to continue some form of therapy and treatments to avoid a relapse.
#2. You continue to receive ongoing support.
Throughout your rehab, you had a structured and controlled environment that allowed you to focus entirely on your addiction and recovery. However, things in the real world are much different, so you need access to ongoing support to maintain some sense of structure and normalcy to maintain your sobriety.
#3. The likelihood of relapsing is reduced with aftercare.
Since you continue to receive ongoing support after rehab treatment, you are less likely to relapse. You have access to individual and group counseling, where you can discuss the challenges you are facing. You also have the opportunity to further enhance and develop your coping skills and strategies.
#4. You have continued access to addiction specialists.
Another aspect of aftercare you can benefit from is maintaining relationships you established during your initial rehab treatment. Some treatment facilities make it possible to continue to see the same counselors and therapists. Furthermore, you have access to peer support specialists, peer groups, and other valuable resources whenever you need some motivation and encouragement.
#5. You have access to a case manager.
Your case manager could also be your counselor. They can provide a range of beneficial services to help you throughout your drug rehab aftercare. For example, they can assist you with locating local support groups, finding sober living homes, locating educational and career training opportunities, referring you to employment agencies to find a job, and much more.
#6. You can participate in alumni programs.
Alumni programs are where you stay connected to your treatment facility and current residents. You get the opportunity to share your story and recovery journey to help motivate others just starting drug rehab. Plus, you can receive similar support from other alumni.
#7. The opportunity to form life-long friendships with your peers.
Aftercare creates the opportunity to build new friendships with others in recovery. The bonds you form with your peers can also lead to supporting each other’s sobriety and being there for one another when someone is struggling.
Finding Aftercare Programs for Recovery
Finding aftercare programs for recovery is not difficult as it should be an essential part of your drug rehab treatment program. As you near the end of your initial treatment program, you will have the opportunity to work with your counselors, therapist, and case manager in creating your personalized drug rehab aftercare program.
Ideally, your aftercare program should be tailored to your specific needs, which could include:
- Transiting to a Sober Living Home
- Continuing Outpatient Rehab
- Becoming an Active Alumnus
- Continuing Individual and Group Sessions
- Ongoing Nutritional and Fitness Support
Drug Rehab Aftercare and Addiction Treatment in Orange County, CA
When you are looking for drug rehab aftercare or addiction treatment in Orange County, help is available at Pacific Sands Recovery Center. We offer customized and personalized addiction treatment programs that include drug rehab aftercare.
Once you complete your initial residential or outpatient rehab, you can transition to our aftercare program. Additionally, we encourage you to become a part of our alumni program and community aftercare events.
To learn more about our drug rehab aftercare and addiction treatment programs, please feel free to contact us or call us to speak with an intake specialist today!
