An individual’s journey to recovery is not complete after his or her stay at drug rehab. On the contrary it is just beginning. After a stay at drug rehab it is going to be a difficult challenge for a person who is in very early recovery to make the transition into the “real” world. A person’s chance of staying sober after drug rehab is greatly increased if they participate in an aftercare program. Aftercare programs are designed to help an individual stay sober and make the transition from drug rehab to the “real” world easier. There are various forms of aftercare programs so it is essential that the best and most effective one is found.
The most common type of aftercare program is when an individual returns to the drug rehab that they graduated from and meet with the same certified addiction professionals that they worked with. Aftercare sessions in this form can be in both individual and group settings. The idea behind this type of aftercare is to provide a client with support and guidance as well as to provide structure in their life. Clients are afforded the opportunity to discuss with therapists and other people who are in the same boat as they are any difficulties that they are being presented with in early recovery.
Another type of aftercare program is sober living otherwise known as a halfway house. At a halfway house the clients will reside at the facility for a time period between three and six months. There a client is expected to work, abide by curfews, have job duties around the house, participate in relapse prevention groups and be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol. Most clients who complete drug rehab are encouraged to go to a halfway house as the structure they offer provide a great way to make a smooth and safe transition back into the world.
No matter what type of aftercare program is chosen it is important to remember that they only work if the client takes the program seriously and abides by the rules. Missing meetings and not following the rules will defeat the purpose of any aftercare program. The time immediately following drug rehab is a very dangerous time. Relapse commonly occurs shortly after addiction treatment is complete. Even the person who is determined and wants to stay sober with all of their heart is likely to succumb to temptation of drugs and alcohol once they are not in the safe structured environment of drug rehab. The best way to increase the chances of achieving long term sobriety is by participating in aftercare programs. It is a proven fact that the longer an individual who is recovering from drug and alcohol addiction stays in some sort of structured type of care from drug rehab, to aftercare to halfway houses the better chance they are giving themselves at avoiding a possible relapse.
It is common while in drug rehab to think that it is going to be easy to stay sober. Don’t be fooled. It is much different and harder to stay sober after drug rehab is complete. Take advantage of the structure and support an aftercare program offers.
