Statistics show that between 40 and 60 percent of people will relapse following a substance use treatment plan ^[1]. To prevent this from happening, aftercare in addiction recovery is vital. Aftercare gives people the support they need to resist temptation, stay on a sober path, and live productive lives once their treatment program is over. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we are committed to providing people with the strategies they need to make this happen.

Aftercare in Addiction Recovery Strategies

There are many things that people can do to provide themselves with the aftercare they need following a treatment program. A solid aftercare plan can include:

Ongoing Therapy

Ongoing therapy is essential because it provides people with someone to talk to as they face temptations in everyday life. Through treatment, patients can continue to work on the issues that may have led them down a troubled path. They can also continue to learn coping mechanisms that can help them remain sober.

Support Groups

Support groups are an essential component of an aftercare recovery plan because they allow people to talk to those who are going through the same things they are. They can talk about their challenges, share stories, and learn from each other.

Sober Living

While people may complete their treatment program, they may not be ready to live independently. Sober living homes and environments provide the temporary transition some people need to bridge that gap. Sober living provides a secure environment where people can continue to work on their coping skills in a substance-free setting. These living situations typically include mandatory meetings, regular drug screenings, and household chores.

Self-Care

Self-care is also an essential part of the aftercare process because if you don’t take care of yourself, you may be prone to relapse. Eating right, getting exercise, and getting enough sleep are all vital in maintaining proper self-care during recovery and after.

Practice Deep Breathing and Meditation

Deep breathing techniques and meditation can help you relax and de-stress. Since many people turn to substances to relieve stress, eliminating stress more naturally is a better choice and one you want to include in your aftercare plan. Many online tutorials and podcasts offer guided meditation to help get you on the right path. These exercises can be quick and provide you with the centering calm that is necessary during recovery and beyond.

Identify Triggers

Identifying triggers is vital because it provides patients with a list of people, places, and situations that can impact their recovery and stir cravings. Being aware of these and taking steps to avoid them can lead to a more successful recovery.

Engage in Meaningful Activities

For many, substance use took over their entire lives, so when they are no longer using substances, finding meaningful activities is essential. This is a great time to explore new hobbies, learn new skills, and meet new people who will encourage your recovery and not tempt you to relapse. Many people use this time to take a class to learn a new skill and explore nature.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is vital for staying motivated and remaining sober. Many people use the SMART goal-setting technique.^[2] This calls for goals to be:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound

Beginning with small, manageable goals will allow you to accomplish them and gain the self-esteem you need to succeed. You can then build upon these and progress towards larger goals. Allow yourself time to accomplish these goals, remembering that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

Seek Substance Use Treatment Programs at Ocean Hills Recovery

Ocean Hills Recovery provides personalized programs to help people battle their substance use. We get to know each patient and devise a plan specifically for them. Our individualized plans include detox programs, inpatient residential treatment, 12-step recovery, and more. Besides offering patients the care they need to get sober, we also give them the tools they need to cope and remain on their sober paths. All of this is done in the calm and relaxing setting our Orange County, CA, center offers.

Contact Ocean Hills Recovery today to learn how our substance use treatment programs can help you.

Sources:

[1] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

[2] https://www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals

About the author:

Robert Leigh

As CEO of Ocean Hills Recovery, Robert Leigh brings forth an immense passion for helping those suffering create change in their lives. With years of experience in the addiction treatment industry, Robert’s active role at Ocean Hills helps integrate his philosophy that addiction and recovery is a personalized journey, and addiction treatment should echo the same mission. Robert’s innovation in the addiction treatment industry has involved integrating exceptional and effective treatment to those that walk into the doors of Ocean Hills, creating a truly unique and individualized treatment program – ensuring that individuals have the foundation and tools they need to live successful lives long after treatment has been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

The Importance of Aftercare in Addiction Recovery