Successfully completing a drug treatment program is a major milestone for many in early recovery. With all the hard work and dedication to oneself addressing and overcoming addiction, the end of treatment signals a new and exciting chapter of sober living. However, the end of treatment doesn’t mean the end of recovery. In reality, the real work in recovery begins once treatment ends. When you re-enter your normal daily life, the triggers of your home environment can make you vulnerable to relapse. That is why finding aftercare in addiction treatment can be crucial.
To minimize the risk of relapse, it is vital to undergo aftercare in addiction treatment. If you are unfamiliar with aftercare rehab, this article will give you further details about these critical relapse prevention programs. If you need aftercare treatment, call The Nook toll-free today to learn more about our sober living homes in Los Angeles. Our evidence-based aftercare programs give you the added support you need to be confident in your sobriety.
Why Do People Relapse?
With all the hard work that is put into one’s recovery, why do people relapse? There are several reasons why people “fall off the wagon” and need aftercare rehab to get back on course. One common reason is the onset of PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). PAWS is a cluster of psychological withdrawal symptoms that can occur long after the initial withdrawal period. These symptoms are intense and include the following:
- Difficulty with cognitive tasks, such as learning, problem-solving, or memory recall
- Irritability
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Depressed mood
- Difficulty maintaining social relationships
- Craving originally abused substances
- Disturbances in sleep patterns
Another reason for relapse is complacency. For some people, they feel they are “cured” of addiction and stop working on their program of recovery. In many of these instances, they are unaware that the triggers and temptations of their home environment can still wear them down and make them vulnerable to relapse. Additionally, relapse occurs because people simply don’t have a relapse prevention program in place. With no healthy coping and life skills tools in place, people tend to “wing” their recovery, and the results are often disastrous.
Why is Aftercare Important in Recovery
Relapse prevention programs are important for several reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that they provide continued support after treatment. With continued counseling and support, aftercare programs help people stay on track. Secondly, aftercare rehab programs reduce the risk of relapse through the learning and sharpening of life and coping skills. Aftercare is also important because it widens widen the support network for the newly recovering addict. Through support groups, alumni groups, and connection to community resources, newly recovering addicts gain confidence knowing they have an army of people in their corner.
What is Considered Aftercare in Addiction Treatment?
Much like residential or outpatient treatment, aftercare in addiction treatment has many components that can be tailored to meet each client’s needs. Continued therapy and counseling is one common type of aftercare program that allows people to get the support they need during day or nighttime hours. Therapies used include CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, among others. Sober living is another aftercare program where people share living quarters with other people in various stages of recovery. While in sober living, people attend 12-step meetings and continued counseling while working their own individual program of recovery.
Many rehab facilities offer alumni programs as part of their aftercare rehab programs. With alumni programs, newly graduated students are paired with a past graduate with substantial clean time. This person acts as a mentor to the newly recovering addict, and they can meet one-on-one or as a part of larger group events such as dinners and social hours. These programs can run for a couple of weeks or extend to a full year, depending on a client’s needs.
Are You Looking for Aftercare Programs? Call The Nook Sober Living
If you have just completed treatment, an aftercare program will provide you with tremendous benefits. Aftercare gives you the additional tools, support, and encouragement needed to become more confident in your recovery. The Nook is one of Southern California’s premier men’s aftercare programs. We provide evidence-based sober living and partner with Thrive Treatment to provide additional clinical treatment care. Our experienced professionals will empower you to transform your life.Call The Nook today to find sober living for men near you.