Seeking addiction treatment might have felt like a mountain to climb, and perhaps you made it through, but are looking for continued treatment. Drug or alcohol addiction treatment can set the stage for healthier coping skills, such as outpatient treatment.
While spending time at a facility may be the most important part of your initial addiction treatment, what happens after you complete your 30 to 90-day program? Aftercare programs for substance abuse can guide you in the right direction.
Our Northern IL Addiction Treatment Center includes sober living arrangements, follow-up therapy, and mutual support groups that strengthen your resolve to stay clean. We provide the tools you need for long-term recovery. In short, we are here to help you break the cycle of addiction.
What is the Purpose of Aftercare Programs for Substance Abuse?
Aftercare plans prepare individuals with the tools and support they need to transition back into society and prevent relapse after finishing a treatment program at our drug and alcohol rehab center in Northern Illinois.
What is Relapse and How Does it Affect Recovery?
Sometimes, relapses happen after periods of sobriety as brief as one day after rehab. The temptations of drug use and issues with mental health can make it difficult to stay sober. In cases where mental health becomes a major factor in recovery, we recommend our dual diagnosis treatment program in Illinois.
It can be caused by stress related to work, family, housing, health issues, etc., but it can also often visitations or contact with friends and associates who use drugs or alcohol can trigger it. It can also begin after the addict has stopped attending support group meetings or doesn’t have enough healthy distractions in their life after treatment.
The following are risk factors that contribute to relapse:
- Stressful environments
- Lack of coping skills
- Negative thinking patterns
- Feeling lonely or isolated after rehab
- Financial instability after leaving an institution that provided free treatment services
To avoid old habits, aftercare treatment must be initiated after patients have been discharged from an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
The Importance of Relapse Prevention
What aftercare entails depends on the specifics of your addiction and how it manifests, including:
- The substance
- The duration of the addiction
- Your mental health history
- Whether you have any co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or anxiety
- Your family background (which plays a large role in relapse), etc
As a leading treatment provider in the behavioral health industry, we can make all the difference in whether someone struggling with addiction continues to stay sober after leaving residential drug addiction treatment.
The Importance of Aftercare for Substance Abuse
This is because most recovering addicts will still be facing withdrawal symptoms after they stop the prescribed medications, and this may trigger them to go looking for their old means of coping with mind-altering drugs. Addiction aftercare can cushion these experiences.
These aftercare programs offer various forms of therapy, such as group therapy and individual counseling, thus helping individuals manage life without using addictive substances anymore. The knowledge gained from a rehab facility must continually adapt.
Transitioning from Initial Treatment
It can take time after initial treatment for substance abuse to adjust back into the real world and the type of lifestyle that initially caused them to seek aftercare after drug addiction. Once people find themselves ready after completing their aftercare program, they will go on to show major improvements in their lives.
After finishing up substance abuse treatment at a premier rehabilitation facility, patients are discharged from the facility and sent home with an aftercare plan designed by therapists and doctors after substance abuse who know each patient well.
The first step should be to set up a formal relapse prevention plan. For example, alcohol rehab could provide you with a series of steps to take to prevent relapse. Relapse prevention skills are critical in helping to maintain sobriety.
Drug and alcohol rehab is an ongoing process. You must have witnessed how treatment programs uplift recovering individuals. A treatment provider will work diligently to be the support you need.
Sober Living Program
Our center for sober living in Illinois is a form of transitional treatment that is essential to the continuum of care when it comes to recovering from addiction. Sober living homes integrate treatment practices that enhance ongoing support.
Here you can remain sober while abiding by certain guidelines. You must also agree to participate in certain experiences and activities, such as recovery meetings. When you first start the program, the rules will be strict.
However, they will lessen the longer you stay clean. While this may seem like a rigid way to start your sobriety, you will find that our environment is quite encouraging and supportive. Sober living requires patience and compassion for yourself and others.
Ongoing Therapeutic Programs
However, reconnecting with your therapist regularly can give you the professional support you need. Mental health issues can be barriers, but they don’t have to be. Healthcare providers offer assistance for these conditions.
Individualized Counseling
Types of therapy or counseling that we offer include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Experiential therapy
- Holistic treatment options
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Our Northern IL addiction treatment center provides a variety of treatments, including addiction aftercare programs, so that you have options. It’s recommended to speak with your healthcare provider to determine your options. As your counseling continues, you may be able to explore more than one type of therapy, as some therapies are short-term.
Support Groups
Although many support groups follow the 12-step program, some provide alternatives through experiential therapy or holistic activities. Northern Illinois Recovery Center can help you find a support group that meets your needs and keeps you motivated to stay strong.
Addiction Aftercare Program FAQs
Supporting a loved one’s recovery involves offering encouragement, understanding, and patience as they navigate life after rehab. Educate yourself about addiction to better empathize with their struggles and avoid judgment. Encourage healthy habits, such as attending support group meetings or therapy sessions, while respecting their boundaries. Most importantly, take care of your own mental and emotional well-being to avoid burnout while being a steady source of support.
Avoiding triggers in recovery requires identifying high-risk situations, people, or emotions that may lead to cravings or relapse. Develop a relapse prevention plan with your therapist that includes coping strategies like mindfulness, exercise, or reaching out to a sponsor. Surround yourself with a positive, sober support network that reinforces your commitment to recovery. If you encounter unavoidable triggers, practice grounding techniques or remove yourself from the situation to stay on track.
Generally, aftercare after drug rehab is offered free of charge after completing an addiction treatment program at a top rehabilitation center. It is important that those who need to follow up support after getting clean continue attending these free aftercare services even after their weeks or months at the premier recovery facility.
A quality support system can be the difference between success and relapse after rehab. Your support system is a component of the recovery process. Having a strong support system after treatment can help prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation that might trigger a relapse.
When those who struggle with addiction become sober after treatment, they need to rebuild their lives. This includes finding new friends who are also staying sober after rehab. There is no need to completely cut ties with old friends who still use substances, but contact with these individuals should be minimized after getting clean.
Your addiction aftercare plan should include structured support systems like ongoing therapy, 12-step meetings, or sober living arrangements. Set clear, achievable goals for your recovery journey, such as maintaining sobriety milestones or rebuilding relationships. Incorporate healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress-management techniques. Regularly review and adjust your plan with a counselor to ensure it remains effective as your needs evolve.
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