Your time in drug rehab is just the beginning of a lifelong recovery journey. After completing substance abuse treatment, you’ll want to sustain sobriety and other positive lifestyle changes.
A drug rehab aftercare program, or alumni program, keeps clients involved in a strong, supportive recovery community long after treatment ends. Aftercare planning is an important part of the transition out of drug rehab, which can be overwhelming as clients readjust to daily life.
Even after clients have been out of treatment and sober for many years, their aftercare support network can continue to provide friendship, encouragement, and motivation. Lotus Recovery Centers offers a drug rehab aftercare program in West Virginia that promotes lasting, sustainable recovery—learn more by contacting our team at 833.922.1615 today.
What Is Drug Rehab Aftercare?
Aftercare refers to any ongoing treatment you participate in after leaving a residential or outpatient rehab program.
Your treatment team will start planning for aftercare as soon as you enter recovery. You may set a schedule for follow-up medical appointments, get connected to 12-step group meetings in your area, move into a sober living facility, or enjoy drug- and alcohol-free recreational activities with other people in your program.
The importance of aftercare in drug rehab is crucial to the goal of building a self-sufficient sober life. Aftercare resources have been proven to help clients succeed in many ways, like:
- Preventing relapse
- Practicing coping skills in the real world
- Dealing with distressing emotions in a constructive way
- Successfully readjusting to employment and other responsibilities
- Encouraging other people in their recovery journeys
Most facilities recommend clients participate in drug rehab aftercare programs for at least a year after completing treatment. Aftercare doesn’t have to end after a year, however. You can continue participating in alumni activities and stay connected to helpful resources for as long as you want.
Many treatment alumni find aftercare to be a meaningful part of sobriety for their entire lives.
What Support Does a Drug Rehab Aftercare Program Offer?
Everyone’s drug rehab aftercare plan will look different based on their individual needs. The most common forms of drug rehab aftercare include:
- Individual counseling appointments with a therapist who specializes in addiction treatment
- Sober living houses—temporary residences where clients live in a cooperative, substance-free community
- Free recovery support groups, such as 12-step meetings
- Online support networks
- Regular check-ins with medical staff
Recovery meetings are one of the most common forms of drug rehab aftercare, and they’re available in most communities for free. Meetings are confidential to preserve privacy. Each group offers mutual support, encouragement, and accountability, as well as a chance to build lasting friendships.
Clients might attend 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, which focus on taking responsibility and progressing through different “steps” in recovery. New attendees are paired with a sponsor, also in recovery, who offers mentorship and guidance. There are also many helpful community programs, such as SMART Recovery, that don’t use the 12-step model.
How a Drug Rehab Aftercare Program Helps Recovery
Though rehabilitation programs are temporary, sobriety and recovery are lifelong journeys. These journeys involve developing new habits, facing challenges without turning to drugs and alcohol, and pursuing meaningful goals.
This can be challenging work even if you’ve successfully completed treatment. People in recovery are most likely to relapse in the days and weeks immediately after they leave a treatment program. Having an aftercare plan in place means they’ll have essential support in the transition to sober living.
Studies show that involvement in a drug rehab aftercare program reduces the risk of relapse and increases clients’ self-efficacy and confidence. Therapy and support groups reinforce the skills clients learned in treatment, encouraging clients to continue making healthy choices and to use their newfound coping mechanisms in the face of real-life pressures.
Participating in aftercare activities also helps clients get to know other people in recovery and form new bonds. This can be especially important if your previous social life centered around drugs and alcohol. Many participants find the social support in recovery groups is an especially rewarding part of drug rehab aftercare.
Begin Your Journey at Lotus Recovery Centers
As soon as you enter treatment, the staff at Lotus Recovery Centers will be considering the aftercare resources most likely to help you thrive. Our drug rehab aftercare programs in West Virginia offer comprehensive support, including ways to stay connected to your treatment team. You’ll be joining a powerful recovery community that can enrich all aspects of your life.
Getting help is the first and most difficult step, and we’re here for you. Contact us at 833.922.1615 to find out more.
