While the rehab experience can be transformative for someone with a substance use disorder, recovery must continue after discharge or the risk is high for a return to use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 40 to 60 percent of people with a substance use disorder experience a recurrence of use after treatment.

These figures are similar to relapse rates for other chronic conditions such as asthma, which requires continued treatment. It only makes sense that it would be the same with addiction, which is why aftercare is an integral part of a comprehensive treatment program.

What Is Aftercare Support and When Does It Start?

Addiction treatment is a process and, in fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends that rehab programs follow a complete continuum of care. There are several stages of treatment designed to help a person break free from dependence on dangerous substances, develop certain tools and make the transition back into daily life.

The aftercare portion of treatment is not an afterthought and should not be considered merely optional for a successful recovery experience. While it technically begins once your recovery stay is complete, the team at your treatment facility will begin working on your aftercare plan immediately so that you have the greatest chance of success in recovery.

The Goals of Aftercare

The importance of aftercare cannot be overstated. A recent study concluded that abstinence rates were significantly higher among patients who participated in aftercare services. The purpose of aftercare extends beyond preventing a recurrence of use. Some of the goals of aftercare include:

• Helping you make healthy choices about your activities, lifestyle, and relationships
• Reinforcing the skills you learned for coping with strong emotions
• Teaching you how to identify triggers which can prevent a return to use
• Giving you access to support groups and other individuals that can guide your recovery process

6 Aftercare Options for Long-term Recovery Support

When you review the Florida addiction treatment resources of different rehab programs, be sure to look for a strong aftercare program. Not only can these programs provide you with the emotional support you need early in recovery, but they can also help connect you with other programs and services that will help make the transition back into daily life more seamless. Some of the aftercare options for long-term recovery support that you are likely to find include:

• Therapy and counseling
  • While counseling is a large part of the rehab experience, this can continue in a reduced capacity with an aftercare program.
• Family counseling and education
  • The family can play a large role in your recovery success, so is also encouraged to participate in ongoing addiction education and therapy.
• Case management
  • A case manager can continue to work closely with you after discharge to advocate for services such as health care and other needed support.
• Relapse prevention therapy
  • This type of therapy can help you identify potential triggers and give you the tools to handle cravings.
• Outpatient services
  • Other outpatient services might include medication management, group therapy, and ongoing addiction education.
• Sober living homes
  • A sober living home is a stable living environment that can help you ease the transition between rehab and independent living.

The Orlando Recovery Center offers its clients comprehensive and holistic addiction treatment services that include strong aftercare planning. If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, contact Orlando Recovery Center now to get answers to your treatment questions and learn more about your admissions options.