Is it possible to have an excellent aftercare plan that can prevent relapse? The answer is yes. Beyond that, it depends on how often you are able to follow the plan.
Indeed, relapses can occur. It is for this reason that you will need to put together a plan that you will be able to use should it happen. This should be supplemented with the aftercare plan you will have in place.
Whether you are starting a treatment plan or relapsed, Gallus Detox can be able to help. If you want more information on how they can help, click here to continue. Let’s discuss further about an aftercare plan and how you can prevent relapse while in recovery.
What is aftercare?
Aftercare is when you have a plan in place during the recovery period. The intent of this is to prevent relapse while helping them achieve their goals pertaining to their recovery and beyond. Aftercare can include things that will help a person cope with the stress, triggers, or any potential cravings that can occur during and after the treatment itself.
No aftercare plan is the same. It will depend on each individual. However, some of the things that can be part of it include the following:
- Attending regular support group meetings (such as Narc Anon or similar groups)
- Reaching out to other people in your support system including your sponsor(s)
- Attending counseling sessions (individual or group setting)
- Staying in a sober living facility
- Participating in an alumni program at a treatment center you’ve attended
Aftercare can be an excellent plan to have as it will reduce relapse, if followed. Within the first few months of completing treatment, the chances of a relapse are high. That’s why an aftercare plan will need to be put together and implemented while in the early phases of recovery.
How is an aftercare plan created?
As mentioned, you should start early in the recovery process. This will be something that you need to put together along with your therapists, counselors, and other relevant parties. It will be something that will take a few sessions to do.
However, you can spend time outside of sessions to think of ideas. At the same time, you need to do a self-assessment of your current situation. By the next session, your team will help you make suggestions on how to make adjustments accordingly.
One of those is your current living situation. Will living in a “sober house” be part of the plan? If so, how long will you live there?
The length of this plan may depend on the needs you’ll have. This can last anywhere from weeks to more than a year. Follow-up care may be possible due to age.
For example, younger people may have an aftercare period that is longer than older adults. This is another major factor in why one plan may differ from another.
Aftercare: What can you do?
As part of your aftercare plan, it’s important to follow some of the common steps as we have listed earlier in the guide. Let’s take a look at the following pillars of aftercare and how to use them to your advantage:
Finding recovery meetings
You can find a recovery meeting in your local area. If you seem to be lost and not know where to go, a local substance abuse counselor may be able to help. These meetings are free of charge and informal.
These recovery meetings may be based on the kind of addiction they are dealing with. Regular attendance can also help you build a support network that you can use to help yourself and others. 12-step group meetings can also be at your disposal when you need them.
Some of them are religious-based, but you can choose one that isn’t. Some groups can be men only, women only, or exclusive to those in the LGBT community.
Sober living: Transitioning and living
If sober living is an option, you’ll want to be in a facility that provides you with stability. This is possible if your current living situation is a threat to your treatment. This kind of residential setting promotes a drug and alcohol-free environment.
This will help people live in a community setting while helping them transition to independent living. Residents of these living facilities must follow their plan and abstain from using substances. At the same time, they must follow certain expectations.
These include fulfilling regular chores, adhering to a curfew, and limiting visitation guests to a certain amount of hours in a day. Some sober living facilities will also provide volunteer programs that you can take advantage of.
While in a sober living facility, a resident can attend regular support group meetings. Some may even mandate you to attend them.
Attending an alumni program
If you have successfully attended a program and graduated, you have the option to attend meetings as alumni. This will give you the opportunity to help those in treatment as you tell stories about your own experience.
At the same time, you can be able to help yourself as you live the post-treatment life. You will be able to access a network of professionals if you need help or under the threat of relapse. This program can also offer you other services for an extended period of time or as long as possible.
Aftercare can be an excellent plan to have as it will reduce relapse, if followed, read more on Arkbh site. Within the first few months of completing treatment, the chances of a relapse are high. That’s why an aftercare plan will need to be put together and implemented while in the early phases of recovery.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to have a successful recovery, it starts with a recovery plan. You’ll want to make sure you have one put together as early as possible. This will not only prevent the likelihood of a relapse, but it will make transitioning to post-treatment life easier.
