Aftercare Programs
After graduating a substance abuse rehabilitation program, relapse rates are high; just under 50% of graduates will relapse. The purpose of aftercare programs is to prevent and reduce the likelihood of relapse. In addition, aftercare programs foster the growth and development of each and every patient by providing resources and teaching important coping skills. There are many components to aftercare services. Facilities may include sober living residences to allow people to work and live in a community that is drug and alcohol free, individual, marital/couple, and/or group counseling, medication therapy with prescription drugs such as methadone, workshops that teach life skills, assistance with finding jobs, and assistance with financial and legal matters.
One of the most important features of aftercare is relapse prevention. After leaving drug and alcohol rehabilitation, individuals face challenging situations where they may find themselves vulnerable to relapse. Aftercare programs teach individuals how to effectively handle high-risk situations and provide strategies to help with coping to inevitable life changes. Relapse prevention skills may include learning to manage emotions that trigger substance abuse, finding friends that are supportive and building a support system, and finding proper housing to aid in the transition from rehab to the real-world.
Some facilities offer 12-step programs that begin after graduating from a rehabilitation program. Examples of 12-step programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. These programs offer free, continuous support, sponsorship, and strategies to maintain a sober life.
Pharmacotherapy, a pharmaceutical therapy that is a supplementary aftercare treatment, is sometimes used to manage cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms. The medications used require a prescription; however, some medications are injected and therefore have to be administered by a healthcare professional.
Aftercare programs are a key factor in maintaining life-long sobriety. Research has shown how having strong coping skills, life skills, a network of supportive friends, and relevant resources are vital to recovery. Aftercare treatment varies from daily meetings to weekly meetings depending on how much progress has been made. Aftercare prepares individuals to live in the real-world feeling confident that they can live and maintain a sober life.
One of the most important features of aftercare is relapse prevention. After leaving drug and alcohol rehabilitation, individuals face challenging situations where they may find themselves vulnerable to relapse. Aftercare programs teach individuals how to effectively handle high-risk situations and provide strategies to help with coping to inevitable life changes. Relapse prevention skills may include learning to manage emotions that trigger substance abuse, finding friends that are supportive and building a support system, and finding proper housing to aid in the transition from rehab to the real-world.
Some facilities offer 12-step programs that begin after graduating from a rehabilitation program. Examples of 12-step programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. These programs offer free, continuous support, sponsorship, and strategies to maintain a sober life.
Pharmacotherapy, a pharmaceutical therapy that is a supplementary aftercare treatment, is sometimes used to manage cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms. The medications used require a prescription; however, some medications are injected and therefore have to be administered by a healthcare professional.
Aftercare programs are a key factor in maintaining life-long sobriety. Research has shown how having strong coping skills, life skills, a network of supportive friends, and relevant resources are vital to recovery. Aftercare treatment varies from daily meetings to weekly meetings depending on how much progress has been made. Aftercare prepares individuals to live in the real-world feeling confident that they can live and maintain a sober life.