Completing treatment for a substance use disorder is just the first step on the road to long-term recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease, which means it requires ongoing management and care, much like other chronic illnesses. That’s why aftercare and continuing care are so critical. These involve taking steps to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse once the initial, intensive phase of treatment has ended. Without diligent aftercare, the risk of relapsing into substance abuse becomes extremely high.
After leaving a residential treatment program or completing an outpatient program, you may be faced with challenges and potential triggers in your day-to-day life. Maybe it’s running into old friends who are still drinking or dealing with difficult family situations and stressors. It can even be driving by an old hangout or bar on the way home from work.
Whatever the circumstance, cravings and urges can suddenly resurface with little warning. Old thought patterns and behaviors can start to reemerge as well. Having a solid aftercare plan in place provides the support, guidance, and coping strategies needed to get through these high-risk scenarios without returning to substance abuse.
Types of AfterCare or Continuing Care Options
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Sober Living Environments
Sober living homes provide transitional, temporary housing in a structured and supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol. Residents can readjust to everyday life at their own pace, with easy access to counseling, 12-step meetings, support groups, employment assistance, and other resources. At the same time, they have the independence to come and go, manage their own medication, get a job, take classes, and save money. This allows for a slow and steady reintegration into everyday life while maintaining the accountability of a sober living situation.
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Therapy and Counseling
A crucial aspect of aftercare is ongoing therapy and counseling. Different types of therapy can be beneficial depending on your specific needs. Therapy may be individual or in a group setting and can even involve the family.
The psychological effects of addiction can linger long after you get sober. Therapy can help you identify the root causes of your substance abuse, overcome self-destructive thought patterns, improve coping mechanisms for stress and negative emotions, and develop strategies to prevent relapse.
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Support Groups and Peer Networks
One of the most powerful elements of effective aftercare is being involved in support groups and peer support networks. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a sense of community. They give you somewhere you can turn to whenever you need advice, encouragement, or simply a reminder of why you chose to get sober.
Spending time with and sharing experiences with others who understand addiction can be life-changing. Being part of a support group can hold you accountable while allowing you to help others by sharing your own experiences.
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Medication and Medical Support
Depending on your recovery needs, medication and professional medical support may be a part of your long-term plan. A substance use disorder can commonly occur alongside other mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. These co-occurring conditions, if left untreated, can severely undermine your recovery efforts. Ongoing care from doctors, psychiatrists, and other clinicians will be essential for monitoring medications, tracking progress, and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
Lifestyle Changes for Continued Recovery
After completing treatment, developing a sober, healthy lifestyle should be a top priority. You may need to make lifestyle changes and leave old habits behind. Creating a new routine and adding meaningful activities that provide purpose can help you stay focused and motivated.
Some lifestyle changes to consider include:
- Finding new hobbies and interests
- Making regular exercise a priority
- Improving nutrition and sleep habits
- Pursuing educational or career goals
Making changes may not always be easy, but it is a necessary part of an aftercare plan. Continuing your journey requires staying motivated and committed to a healthy, sober lifestyle.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or mental health disorders, help is available. At Stone River Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we offer residential treatment and detox services as well as outpatient mental health services and substance use treatment. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today.
