Continuing Care: Developing An Aftercare Plan After Addiction Treatment
Recovery Doesn’t End After Treatment—Support Doesn’t Either
Substance use disorder treatment is just the beginning of recovery.
As substance use disorder treatment closes, a new chapter in your life unfolds—a chapter that requires ongoing support and dedication to sustain the momentum of your recovery.[1] Recognizing the pivotal need for continued care and support, Wellbridge helps connect you with an aftercare program that offers ongoing support to meet your individual needs.
We understand that recovery is a lifelong commitment, and our post-treatment resources connect you with a supportive community to navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of life after addiction.
Every experience is different, so we will make sure to connect you with an aftercare plan for addiction treatment that best addresses your individual situation. Aftercare may include a blend of personalized counseling, group therapy sessions, and skill-building workshops where our patients can continue to cultivate resilience, strengthen coping mechanisms, and forge meaningful connections.
After all, the journey toward recovery doesn’t end—it evolves, offering healing and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
What is Aftercare?
Aftercare refers to the ongoing support and services provided to people following a detox or an inpatient primary treatment program for addiction and co-occurring disorders.[2] Having an aftercare plan for after addiction treatment aims to help you transition back into daily life while maintaining your progress and preventing relapse.
Aftercare typically includes a variety of resources such as counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and assistance with life skills development and aims to provide continued guidance, encouragement, support, and tools for navigating the challenges of post-treatment life and maintaining long-term recovery.
Why Does Aftercare Work For Addiction Recovery?
Aftercare provides ongoing support and accountability, which are crucial for people in early recovery who may face triggers or challenges as they reintegrate into their daily lives.[3] Regular check-ins, counseling sessions, and access to a support network can help you stay focused on your recovery goals and provide a safety net during times of stress or temptation.
Aftercare programs often offer a range of resources and tools to help you refine your coping strategies and address underlying issues that may contribute to addictive behaviors. Aftercare also fosters a sense of community and belonging, connecting you with peers who understand your experiences and can offer encouragement.
The Efficacy of Aftercare for Substance Use and Addiction
Research consistently demonstrates the efficacy of aftercare programs in supporting people with substance use and addiction issues. Accountability and peer support are invaluable to the lifelong recovery process. According to several studies, participating in aftercare significantly increases the likelihood of maintaining sobriety and reducing the risk of relapse.[4]
Furthermore, research also indicates that the longer you engage in aftercare services, the better your outcome. People who participated in aftercare for six months or longer had significantly higher rates of sustained abstinence (lower relapse rates) compared to those who received shorter-term aftercare or no aftercare at all.[5] Aftercare programs have also been shown to be associated with improvements in mental health, family relationships, employment status, and overall quality of life.[6]
Contact Us to Learn More About Continuing CareWhat Kind of Treatment Will I Receive in Aftercare?
After healing and as you transition back into daily life, Wellbridge will offer resources that connect you with continuing care modalities to help you during this vulnerable time. Some of the evidence-based interventions and therapeutic modalities available as you continue your journey include:
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can be a valuable asset to keep you on track following formal treatment. These groups have regular meetings with peers to keep you focused on your sobriety.
Following treatment at Wellbridge some patients may benefit from staying in a sober living residence before transitioning back to their old homes. These residences have set rules to help you stay on track as you return to your daily routine.
In aftercare, DBT assists in developing coping skills crucial for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and enhancing interpersonal relationships during the transition back into daily life post-treatment.
Aftercare may utilize CBT to target and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use disorder, facilitating continued positive change and preventing relapse.
MI in aftercare fosters collaboration and goal-setting, helping individuals resolve ambivalence and build motivation for maintaining sobriety and implementing positive lifestyle changes.
Aftercare can include creative arts therapies like art therapy, music therapy, and dance/movement therapy. These therapies offer alternative avenues for expression and self-discovery to support ongoing emotional healing and personal growth.
Aftercare can incorporate trauma therapy to address past trauma's impact on substance use, promoting continued healing, resilience, and effective coping strategies.
Aftercare may integrate recreational therapy activities such as outdoor excursions and sports to promote physical fitness, socialization, and stress reduction, fostering a supportive environment conducive to sustained recovery.
Aftercare sessions provide valuable information and skills training on substance use disorder, recovery, relapse prevention, and mental health, empowering individuals with knowledge and tools for ongoing self-management.
Wellness activities like yoga, Pilates, cycling, and personal training to promote physical health and self-care practices help to support overall well-being and resilience in the post-treatment phase.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aftercare Treatment for Addiction
How does aftercare differ from primary treatment for addiction?
Aftercare differs from primary treatment in its focus and intensity. Primary treatment typically involves intensive, structured programs aimed at initial stabilization and detoxification, often conducted in residential or inpatient settings. Aftercare, on the other hand, follows primary treatment and provides ongoing support as individuals transition back into their daily lives. It focuses on maintaining progress, preventing relapse, and addressing long-term recovery needs through a combination of counseling, support groups, and skill-building workshops.
How long does an aftercare program for substance use disorder last, and what is the typical structure?
The duration of aftercare varies depending on individual needs and program offerings. Some aftercare programs may last several weeks to months, while others may extend for years to provide ongoing support. The typical structure of aftercare programs includes regular check-ins, counseling sessions, and participation in support groups, along with access to additional resources such as educational workshops and assistance with life skills development.
Can aftercare programs accommodate specific preferences or requirements, such as work or family commitments?
Yes, many aftercare programs offer flexibility to accommodate individual preferences and requirements, including work or family commitments. Some programs may offer evening or weekend sessions, teletherapy options, or online support groups to ensure accessibility for participants with busy schedules. Additionally, aftercare providers often work collaboratively with individuals to tailor treatment plans and schedules to meet their specific needs and preferences, fostering a supportive and personalized approach to recovery.
Sources
1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017, June 15). Recovery. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/recovery on May 13, 2024
[2] Passetti, L. L., Godley, M. D., & Kaminer, Y. (2016). Continuing care for adolescents in treatment for substance use disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 25(4), 669–684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2016.06.003 on May 13, 2024
[3] Duffy, P., & Baldwin, H. (2013). Recovery post-treatment: plans, barriers and motivators. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597x-8-6 on May 14, 2024
[4] McKay, J. R. (2009). Continuing care research: What we have learned and where we are going. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2008.10.004 on May 13, 2024
[5] Subbaraman, M. S., Mahoney, E., Mericle, A. A., & Polcin, D. L. (2023). Six-month length of stay associated with better recovery outcomes among residents of sober living houses. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5), 675–683. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2023.2245123 on May 13, 2024
[6] Duffy, P., & Baldwin, H. (2013). Recovery post-treatment: plans, barriers and motivators. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597x-8-6 on May 13, 2024
How Will I Know Which Level of Care is Right for Me?
At Wellbridge, we collaboratively determine the best treatment approach for substance use disorder recovery. Our experienced team conducts a thorough assessment of your needs and goals, considering factors like substance use severity, mental health, medical history, and your support system.
Throughout the process, we provide personalized guidance to empower you to make informed decisions, ensuring you receive the care that maximizes your chances of lasting recovery and well-being. We welcome you or your loved ones to our treatment facility, which is designed for focused healing and tranquility during your recovery journey.