Addiction is chronic and requires constant vigilance. Recovery from addiction is a long-term commitment to sobriety to avoid relapse. Aftercare is a necessary part of treatment that lasts much longer than initial rehab. Aftercare can be essential to securing an individual’s commitment to recovery.
Aftercare
Aftercare options vary and may take research but residential rehabs offer aftercare services to help individuals with addiction. Many aftercare programs follow a format relying on group sessions focused on relapse prevention, job skills and relationship skills. Improving relational skills is important to help an individual repair relationships damaged through addiction. Supportive family can be important to facilitating better recovery odds of staying clean. Programs which address partial recovery needs (child care, housing, job support) tend to be more effective than those that do not.
Participation
Drop-out rates hover around 50% but some factors may increase retention in aftercare programs which include staff offering transportation services as well as ongoing support throughout the program. Finding a high quality program is essential to increasing positive participation in the program and make sure retention remains high.
Quality Programs
When doing homework on programs, it is important to focus on accredited programs that offer adherence to a certain standard of quality which many aftercare programs either lack or disregard. Reputable bodies including the Joint Commission and Council on Accreditation and Commission of Rehabilitation Facilities support quality programs. Other factors to inquire about are the frequency of staff turnover, number of licensed professionals on staff and what professional certifications exist.
Types of Programs
Two types of structured aftercare programs including outpatient patient programs and sober living or halfway houses. Both allow for continued recovery work following completion of a residential or inpatient detox and treatment.
Outpatient programs
Outpatient programs typically take place in a clinic or office location where daily therapeutic and educational groups are held. When leaving inpatient treatment, the recommendation is to attend five days a week and step down two or three days a week as individuals progress. Living at home while attending is common and many go back to school or even work.
Sober Living
Halfway houses and sober living houses are more structured living settings which provide a safe and drug-free environment to transition into. Certain homes are for those who are court-mandated to live there and if the individual was released from prison can help transition into daily life.
Sustain Recovery provides a unique approach to adolescent care. Focused on individual needs and resident progress, Sustain believes in supporting young people with focused, intentional care to help them recover fully from addiction. Call us to find out more information.
