Aftercare is a continuity that enables a person to sustain long-term sobriety. Of course, completing any form of treatment program is considered an achievement, but realistically, recovery does call for continued support.
This guide will help you understand what aftercare is, discuss some of the benefits involved, and take a look at some of the different examples of alcohol aftercare programs to help you on your road to recovery.1
What Is Aftercare in Recovery?
Aftercare is a pre-structured support system that allows the individual to transition smoothly into independent sober living from a course of primary treatment.
In fact, the purpose is to give one the right equipment, guidance, and follow-up so that he or she may work his or her way through the humps that will inevitably be faced in trying to maintain sobriety. You will be empowered through this level of care to handle the complexities of life without needing to use a substance.
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Types of Aftercare Programs
When you have completed your treatment, more help is needed in order to keep you on track and to cope with any issues that life will throw your way.
Many different forms of aftercare programs give the skills and assistance needed to continue down the road to recovery.
- 12-Step Programs and Peer Support Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous2 and Narcotics Anonymous3 provide an environment where participants share experiences and encourage others to achieve their goal of staying sober.
- Individual Counseling or Continued Therapy also affords the time to work through emotions, address any mental health concerns, and learn how to prevent relapse.
- Sober Living Homes provide a structured, substance-free environment that could bridge the gap in continuity of care between rehab and independent living.
- Alumni Programs from Treatment Centers give you a chance to stay connected with a community beyond your stay in treatment, much like ours here at Cornerstone Healing Center.
- Online Aftercare Options offer you the flexibility where to get the support you need while counseling, attending group meetings, and getting educational resources all from the comfort of your home.
Why Aftercare Is Important to Maintain Long-Term Sobriety
Aftercare in recovery is very important for ensuring abstinence, hence avoiding recidivism. Major areas of their benefits include:
- Relapse Prevention: Putting in place a well-set plan can help you to notice and recognize the triggers and new ways to cope.
- Engagement: Being present and interacting with both peers and mentors, helps everyone in the group stay motivated and accountable.
- Aftercare: Programs like these help with skill development starting with emotional control right to conducting stress.
- Regular check-ups: This enhances your chances of staying sober, by holding yourself accountable.
Studies have shown that patients who are taken through aftercare are less likely to experience a relapse and have a higher chance of staying sober for a long time.4
How Aftercare Prevents Relapse
After-care programs can help you work through challenging situations by:5
- Teaching you how to recognize the warning signs of what may trigger use.
- Educating you about how to cope with stressful or impulsive desires.
- Strengthening the practice of sober maintenance skills through mindfulness and relapse prevention plans.
Quick Tip: Strengthen Sobriety Through Aftercare
Creating an Aftercare Plan
A personal aftercare plan will ensure your recovery process meets your needs and standards. The following are some of the elements of your aftercare plan.
Here are some elements it covers:
- Build a network of people and communities that will support your sobriety.
- Individual therapy, group therapy, or self-help groups.
- Set realistic goals on the journey to sobriety.
- Find ways of overcoming or coping with stress, cravings, and emotional problems.
Remember that you are undergoing a process of recovery, and aftercare is also part of that process.
The Role of Family and Friends in Aftercare
Aftercare with your family and friends will show you ways of strengthening that network through:
- It helps you to create a sober, positive environment, thereby increasing your chances of staying sober for longer.
- Most times, family therapy deals with common issues and ways of building healthier relationships.
- Also, by meeting with loved ones and friends, you will have the capability of staying with this and celebrating your successes.
Here at Cornerstone, we believe that profound and lasting change is possible when the family is part of the recovery process.
How to Find the Right Aftercare Program for You
Choosing the right aftercare program includes:
- Reflect on whether you would feel comfortable in person or whether your best choice will be its online equivalent.
- Check which ones your insurance covers by calling and confirming coverage.
- Talk with treatment specialists about what course of treatment will most help fulfill your needs and goals.
You can find a program that will fit your long-term sobriety by looking at all of these points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aftercare in recovery?
Aftercare in recovery is the supportive, continued services to help someone stay sober after formal treatment is completed. Individual and/or group therapies, 12-step meetings, sober living, and other recoveries are some examples. Aftercare provides the tools, guidance, and supportive community one needs for successful long-term recovery.
Why is aftercare important for sobriety?
Aftercare programs are necessary in providing an avenue for the prevention of relapse through continued support, accountability, and resources for working through difficult times in life. A structured atmosphere is provided for further personal growth, emotional healing, and life skills building. Building relationships with fellow recovering peers and helping identify the triggers will help stay the course in sobriety.
What are examples of aftercare programs?
Among the many supportive aftercare options available for care may include 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, outpatient therapy, alumni programs at treatment centers, sober living, online recovery communities, and many more. Each offers a different level of continued support, connections, and encouragement toward meeting one’s personal needs for ongoing care.
How do I choose the best aftercare program?
Choose an aftercare program based on your needs regarding recovery, your personal goals about recovery, and what resources are available. Consider such variables as how well-structured the program is, the level of support, and how accessible it is. Utilize treatment professionals, reviews, and insurance coverage verification to find one that fits your lifestyle best and further promotes your sobriety.
Strengthen Your Recovery with Cornerstone’s Aftercare Program
Aftercare plays an important role in recovery, both in maintaining sobriety and avoiding relapse. At Cornerstone Healing Center, we proudly offer individualized aftercare plans that include continued support, structure, and accountability, to all of our clients. Continue on a path in recovery by seeing what aftercare options are available to you— reach out today!
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Aftercare in recovery is key to maintaining sobriety over a long period.
- Aftercare also includes programs like counseling, peer support groups, and sober living homes.
- Aftercare prevents relapse because the individual will know how to handle and manage triggers.
- Choose an aftercare program that best corresponds with your specific set of recovery needs.
- Accountability and personal growth are two of the most significant benefits of aftercare.
