People coming from inpatient facilities often feel overwhelmed when returning to the “real world.” After all, treatment was a safe, quiet space where the addicted person was able to focus on their addiction, personal triggers, and other issues and learn to live without drugs and alcohol. Returning to everyday life can be jarring. Many people in recovery choose aftercare programs to help them adjust to their new life.

What Kind of Aftercare Programs Are Available?

Aftercare, like recovery, is built to help meet your needs. You have choices that can help you continue the building blocks of recovery. These include:

• Sober living homes. These homes are structured and allow you to hold a job, attend outside therapy, and bond with others working toward the same goals. There are rules, but it’s not the same as inpatient treatment. You will probably have chores and other duties as they fit within your schedule.
• Treatment center aftercare. Many treatment centers offer outpatient therapy to people who have completed their inpatient programs. Sometimes this is group therapy, but other options can include family therapy or individual therapy.
• 12-step groups. Continuing to work your recovery program is the most important thing to do when you’ve graduated from treatment. You can’t do it alone, and 12-step programs are free, available, and highly effective. Most people who continue to use 12-step support groups after treatment can achieve long-term sobriety, even through life’s most challenging events.

Aftercare Helps You Stay Focused

Post-treatment life can be stressful and distracting from your recovery goals. Aftercare helps you continue to build new coping mechanisms. You’ll still be able to connect with peers, and you’ll be able to delve into deeper issues when the need arises.

Having a plan for staying sober after you finish your drug rehab is essential. You’ll need all the support you can get. Going to 12-step programs, working with a sponsor, and learning to live daily clean and sober are the bare essentials of continued growth in recovery. Other tools, like a sober living home, can give you the extra support you need as you start over in the world, free from alcohol and other drugs.

Interested in Sober Living?

Sober living is a great way to focus on your recovery as you begin to reclaim your life after treatment. You’ll make new friends, learn more about yourself, and have the comfort of living in a safe and sober environment. Learn more about your options by giving us a call at 760-216-2077.