Leaving treatment is a big step. The daily structure, therapists, and peers that supported you give way to work, home, and familiar surroundings. Aftercare is the ongoing support that continues after rehab ends. It can include follow-up therapy, recovery groups, medical care, and help from family. Building a clear plan with your care team helps you prepare for that change.
What is Aftercare in Recovery?
Aftercare in recovery is the follow-up care that one receives after treatment. It aims to support those in early recovery, prevent relapse and help them as they work toward their life goals. Aftercare plans include resources, interventions, and activities to help individuals achieve their recovery goals.
Aftercare programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each person in treatment and may include the following:
- Sober living homes
- Peer support groups such as 12-Step, Al-Anon, or Smart Recovery
- Alum programs
- Individual and group therapy
- Medical and mental health care
- Medication management
How to Create an Aftercare Plan
Your care team builds your aftercare plan with you, based on your progress, your health, and the life you are returning to. Planning starts well before discharge, which gives you time to raise concerns. Bring these questions to your therapist or case manager:
- When is my first follow-up appointment, and who is it with?
- Who should I contact if cravings or a crisis come up between appointments?
- Which support groups or recovery meetings suit my needs and schedule?
- How will my medications and mental health care continue?
- What might get in the way, such as transportation, work hours, or cost, and how can we plan around it?
- How often will we review and adjust the plan?
Write down the answers and keep your plan somewhere easy to find. If it helps, share a copy with someone you trust.
Aftercare planning at Recovery Centers of America starts when you begin treatment, not just before you leave. Early on, your care team and your case manager build a plan around your life and your goals, so each stage of care connects to the next. Your plan may cover:
- Your next step-down level of care, including outpatient therapy
- Medical, behavioral health, or psychiatry follow-up care
- Continuity of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Housing, if you need it
- Community resources and peer support
- A crisis plan for the hard days
- Personal goals that matter most to you
Components of an Effective Aftercare Program
Here are some of the components that an effective aftercare program should include:
Attending Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes (also known as halfway houses) provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals in early recovery. It is an important component of aftercare that helps provide a smooth transition from inpatient or outpatient rehab to everyday life.
Sober living homes have in-house rules that may include curfew, chores, and visitations. In some cases, they may even help residents find a job. Residents may also participate in 12-Step programs and sober activities, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, and music groups. These elements come together to create an environment that helps maintain long-term sobriety.
Your case manager can help you find the right halfway home – but you can also do so yourself. Either way, you’ll need to consider your needs, budget, and location when searching for a sober living home.
Joining Support Group Meetings
Support groups are essential elements of an aftercare program. They provide a place to connect with others in recovery, talk about your struggles, and learn new coping skills. Participation in peer support groups like 12-Step, Al-Anon, or SMART Recovery can help individuals remain motivated and accountable during their recovery journey.
12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous base their meetings on a spiritual approach to recovery and encourage members to work through the 12-Steps as part of their recovery journey. SMART Recovery is like 12 steps; it doesn’t focus on tapping into a higher power. Instead, it encourages aligning behaviors with personal values – emphasizing self-reliance and self-empowerment while providing education and support. Al-Anon is a support group for family members of those suffering from substance use disorders.
Participating in Alumni Programs
Many treatment centers run alumni programs that keep former patients connected with each other and with staff. These may include meetings, events, or online groups, but what’s offered and who can take part varies. Before discharge, ask your care team which alumni support is available to you and how to join.
Continuing with Medical and Mental Health Care
Medical and mental health care are also essential components of aftercare. Medical professionals can help monitor physical health and address any medical conditions that may have been affected by substance use. Mental health professionals can help provide psychological support and address any mental health issues that may have been underlying your substance use disorder.
For example, if you’re still dealing with behavioral health issues such as depression and anxiety after drug rehab, your therapist may offer behavioral therapy to help you cope better.
Getting a Sponsor
When you join recovery groups such as 12-Steps, you’ll be encouraged to get a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who has been sober for a certain amount of time and can provide guidance and support. They’ll often be available to talk if you need to and can help you stay accountable on your recovery journey.
For example, they may call or text you when they know you’re feeling especially weak or suspect you’re at risk of relapse. They may also:
- Serve as a good example
- Encourage you to attend meetings and participate in group activities
- Introduce you to other members
- Offer support as needed
- Explain the 12-Step to your loved ones
- Introduce you to 12-Step literature, like the Big Book
Ongoing Therapy or Outpatient Services
After residential or inpatient care, your care team may recommend continued treatment through outpatient services. This is clinical care, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management when needed, delivered while you live at home. It gives you ongoing time to work on triggers, coping skills, and any mental health concerns.
Wellness activities like yoga, exercise, or creative hobbies can also support recovery. Think of them as extras that sit alongside clinical care. Availability varies, so ask which options your program or local community offers.
Getting Support from Friends and Family
Another important piece of an aftercare plan is support and understanding from friends and family. The people closest to you can provide a sense of normalcy and help you stay motivated on your recovery journey. They can also serve as positive role models to help you practice healthy habits and adjust to life outside treatment. That’s why treatment programs often encourage families to participate in educational webinars, join support groups, and stay connected to your recovery, during and after treatment.
The importance of family and friends in aftercare cannot be overstated. They provide emotional support and understanding and help you stay accountable in your recovery. They may call or text you to see how you’re doing and even attend meetings or activities to show their support. Loved ones may also celebrate your successes, encourage healthy behaviors and habits, spot the signs of relapse, etc., all of which can help you remain on track to a life of sobriety.
Aftercare is a critical part of long-term sobriety. It provides the necessary resources, support, and guidance to help you stay in recovery and live a healthy, productive life. With proper aftercare planning in place, you can increase your chances of achieving lasting recovery from substance use.
Your care team at Recovery Centers of America can help you build an aftercare plan around your needs, from follow-up care to support from friends and family. Call 1.800.RECOVERY or contact us online today.
