Addiction treatment plans often include a list of necessary steps for continued care. Following rehab, it is crucial to follow these steps to ensure that sobriety will stick. Monitoring progress and utilizing aftercare treatments has proven effective in treating drug and alcohol addiction. Through medication review, psychological services, and preventative care, those struggling with addiction are better equipped to cope with relapse challenges and experience the best possible outcome in recovery.

The Importance Of Psychological Therapies

Addiction has been established as a physiological and psychological disorder, which means substance abuse is an act of compulsion, coupled with a physical need for the drug. When addiction becomes a way of life, many therapies can help to reshape dangerous habits to help patients regain control after finishing rehab. Some of these aftercare therapies include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – AA has been widely used as a method of opening up and understanding the source of alcohol addiction. Through group therapies and support, an AA meeting can provide an outlet to continue the recovery process.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy – Cognitive behavioral therapy is a short-term therapy used as a method of shaping the brain patterns to curb compulsive behavior. Through submersion, a therapist will work with a patient (often one-on-one) to address specific triggers and provide alternative behavior patterns.
• Outpatient psychiatric therapy – This method is the most common non-group therapy. Therapists specializing in addiction psychology offer a listening ear, coping skills, and patient-specific literature to assist in the recovery process.

Many people find that relapse occurs due to the inability to cope with unexpected stress. Psychological recovery helps those struggling with addiction to find their way and build the cognitive capacity to make good decisions following rehab.

Medication Evaluations

Millions of people have found success in sobriety with the help of medications after finishing rehab. If you’re taking medication to maintain sobriety, regular physician visits are a must. Your doctor will evaluate your progress, address concerns, and adjust your dose for better results.

Remember that there are times when a medication is not effective in treating your symptoms effectively. Your doctor can help you explore other options for treatment or provide resources for special care outside of the facility.

Relapse Care

Relapse often happens without warning and some try to face this setback alone, leading to further trouble down the road. In the event of relapse, there is always a way to get back on the right track. Notifying your physician, therapist, and sponsor following a relapse is a necessary part of aftercare.

Identifying early relapse signs can also help you to prevent relapse. Some early relapse signs include:

• Thinking heavily about drinking or using a substance
• Glamorizing your past substance abuse
• Hiding substances “just in case”

If you find yourself at risk of relapse, some follow-up care may be necessary. Re-evaluating medications or working out some of your stress can greatly improve the outcome of temptation. Contact your physician, sponsor, or therapist to coordinate meetings for relapse prevention.

The Benefits Of A Sober Living Home

Sober living homes are commonly utilized by those struggling to stay sober following rehab. These homes are designed to provide a homey feel while residents work on recovery. Many homes are shared with other people, including a small support staff.

Rules are put in place to promote positive choices in early recovery. Common rules for sober living home residents include:

• Shared responsibilities, including cooking and cleaning
• Regular drug and alcohol screening
• Returning to the home before curfew
• Following the treatment plan put in place by the rehab facility
• Working or spending time searching for work
• Paying rent, some utilities, and replenishing used items

Sober living homes offer a sense of normalcy following treatment in a rehab facility. Many residents enjoy gathering the pieces necessary to transition comfortably into their new lives. These homes offer a safe place to plan and prepare with guidance and support.

The Importance Of Aftercare

When planting a garden, you know that seeds won’t grow without maintenance. If you’re undergoing addiction therapy, it’s crucial to maintain your sobriety after rehab. The many methods of aftercare have contributed to the increasing success of rehab centers across America.

By following a treatment plan with follow-up care, you’re investing in your sobriety through accountability and dedication. These qualities can make all of the difference on your road to recovery and improve your overall success.

We Can Help

As you can see, aftercare is an important factor in any addiction treatment plan. If you or a loved one have questions or concerns regarding follow-up care, the caring staff at DrugRehab.org is here to help. We can connect you with resources following rehab, including AA locations and a list of addiction specialists in your area. Contact us today to get started.

For More Information, Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

• The Importance of Aftercare When Leaving A Drug And/Or Alcohol Rehab
• Social Learning Theory Of Addiction Treatment
• Drug Rehab Aftercare Treatment
• Should I Go Back To Rehab After A Drug Or Alcohol Relapse
• The Next Step – What To Do After Rehab