Drug addiction treatment is vital to breaking free from substance abuse and addiction. With this in mind, it’s important to know that the journey doesn’t end when treatment does. Maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle can have its challenges. This is why aftercare programs for substance abuse can help a person stay sober with the right techniques and tips.
Addiction aftercare programs are offered in many different rehab centers in Florida and can be an excellent way to remain sober. While inpatient treatment may take 30 to 90 days, people still have to remember to stay clean for the many years that follow. This can be challenging without the right tips and techniques. After programs for substance abuse provide many different outlets and resources.
Before aftercare comes the initial treatment. If you are struggling with addiction, it may be time to get proper help. Rehab centers in Florida like Chapel Hill Detox are ready to help you turn your life around for the better. Many addiction aftercare programs allow the toll necessary to combat addiction.
Life After Addiction Treatment
Book an AppointmentWhile detox and is necessary to overcome a severe addiction, it typically isn’t enough to reach long-term sobriety. After detox, a person usually goes into a more personalized and structured program. During this time, a person meets with several therapists and counselors through a series of specialized therapy sessions. This is included in the many options for addiction treatment (inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization programs, etc.).
After treatment, a person will begin their new life, free of drugs. However, the journey does not end after treatment. Unfortunately, relapse is something we see time and time again with recovering addicts. The first couple of months of recovery can be extremely difficult for those who just completed addiction treatment. This is why many people may opt to use aftercare programs as a way to stay sober after treatment. It’s important to be prepared for sudden cravings or urges to use after treatment has ended.
What Are Addiction Aftercare Programs?
Aftercare is a broad term and essentially includes follow-up or ongoing treatment for substance abuse. Aftercare programs for substance abuse come in many different shapes and sizes, and cover a wide range of topics. No matter where an aftercare program takes place or what occurs during it, the goals are the same from program to program. The goal of all aftercare programs for substance abuse include the following:
- Find ways to prevent relapsing
- Staying clean and away from substance abuse
- Create a brand new life with purpose and healthy rewards
The reason why programs like aftercare are so important is because of the intense impact that certain drugs can have on a person’s mind. Some substances can alter a person’s brain functions and behavior. These changes can stick with a person even after substance abuse treatment has finished. Aftercare programs can help a person stay sober and focused even after treatment has ended.
What Does An Effective Aftercare Program Look Like?
Several factors dictate whether or not an aftercare program for substance abuse is effective or not. Aftercare programs should focus on these pillars to make sure the person grows and builds a drug-free lifestyle. The components of successful aftercare include:
Health
It’s essential for aftercare programs to focus on both the physical and mental sides of addiction recovery. This is done by targeting some of the physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal while staying informed about the recovery process. Drug testing and mental health education can contribute to your well being once you complete treatment.
Purpose
Having a purpose can be incredibly beneficial and can give a person a reason to not use it. It’s important for aftercare programs to push recovering addicts to find purpose in their life, whether it be through school, work, or hobbies. This can be done through resources like career counseling, legal support, case management, and financial planning.
Community
Building a supportive and consistent community is a huge part of aftercare programs for substance abuse. Having a sense of belonging while feeling loved can help a person tremendously. Improving a person’s current relationships while building new ones is part of the process.
Home
Life at home is a vital part of the aftercare program process. A person should have a supportive and solid foundation at home. Having a dysfunctional or unsupportive household can end up causing problems and can even lead to relapse in some cases. Home services can help a person stay sober without worrying about negative or dysfunctional energy.
Aftercare programs should follow these points closely and make sure that a person finds their path to sobriety. Aftercare should motivate a person and give them purpose in the end. One of the key elements to these pointers is staffing. Poor staff can spell disaster for people recovering from addiction. That’s why it’s important to have a supportive and qualified staff to make sure a person’s needs are met.
Book an AppointmentAftercare Programs in Florida
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Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes are one of the best ways to transition back into life after treatment has ended. As an aftercare program for substance abuse, sober living homes offer a comfortable and drug-free environment for a period of time. After treatment has finished, a person may not feel comfortable going back to their home and starting their life. Sober living homes are usually apartments or houses that allow you to live out your life but with extra support and accountability (not using substances).
While sober living homes may not be for everyone, they can be a great way to transition slowly back into society in a drug-free environment. Sober living homes are one of many addiction aftercare programs and are offered in many rehab centers in Florida and beyond.
Therapy
Therapy is an essential part of the addiction treatment process but it can be used after the fact as well. A person can continue to get counseling and support during the recovery process. It is advised that a person continue attending weekly sessions in the early stages of recovery. Therapy is one of the most widely used aftercare programs for substance abuse out there today.
Attending individual and group therapy sessions can help you stay on track while maintaining a routine in the process. Therapy is especially useful for cases of co-occurring disorders and dual diagnoses cases. More intense disorders require lots of practice and frequent visits to stay on track. Common forms of treatment include the following:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Holistic therapy
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Experiential therapy
- Group therapy
Support Groups in Aftercare
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While the success rate of support groups is not known, some studies show a positive sign for those staying sober. It can be highly beneficial to attend support groups while sticking with the Twelve Steps. Support groups are widely used during and after treatment has finished. Support groups include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- SMART Recovery
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Women in sobriety
- Celebrate recovery
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs provide a way for a person to continue getting help after detox. In outpatient treatment, a person attends weekly therapy sessions at a rehab center while still living at home. Outpatient programs are some of the most widely used aftercare programs for substance abuse. A person will attend 45-minute to one-hour sessions, three to five times a week. This can be great for those recovering from treatment or in the process. It allows them to get treatment while sticking true to their obligations at home (school, work, children, etc.)
Recovery is A Continuous Process
Once someone has recovered from addiction, they cannot assume things will stay the same. It’s important to be prepared and in the right mindset for the future. It’s vital to stick with a routine and get the right help even after treatment has ended with aftercare programs for substance abuse. Sobriety is a life-long journey — one that takes patience and resilience. Fortunately, with the right resources and options available, you can tackle recovery with help.
Take the First Step Today
Before looking at a quality aftercare program, a person must take the first step towards overcoming their addiction. At Chapel Hill Detox, we provide quality detox services to get you started on your journey towards a better life. Our Florida-based facility and staff are ready to welcome you with open arms. Don’t wait for your addiction to get worse; call us today to start your journey.
