Addiction is a chronic disease and, like other chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, requires constant tending. While there is no cure for addiction, it is treatable and can be effectively managed. Relapse is a common part of addiction, so an aftercare program is critical for addiction treatment. Going through detox and drug or alcohol addiction treatment are the first steps on the path to recovery. Rehab aftercare services can help you maintain your sobriety and provide the extra support needed to prevent relapse.
Next Wind Recovery is an outpatient addiction treatment center in New Jersey. We provide a variety of levels of care, including aftercare services. Reach out to Next Wind Recovery online or call us at 201.331.6569 to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one.
What Are Aftercare Services?
Achieving sobriety is a great accomplishment. However, addiction treatment does not end with the completion of an addiction treatment program. Because addiction is a lifelong disease, continued support following initial treatment is necessary to maintain sobriety. Approximately ten percent of American adults struggle with substance abuse. Studies show that relapse rates across all substance use disorders are between 40-60%. Alcohol and opioids have the highest relapse rates.
An aftercare program is any follow-up treatment occurring after initial detox and substance abuse treatment. The main goal of rehab aftercare services is to prevent relapse, which is especially common in the early stages of recovery. When a person relapses, they experience feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or failure. However, relapse does not mean that recovery is impossible but indicates that a person has fallen into old thinking patterns and needs support to get back on track. Other components of rehab aftercare services include:
- Connecting clients with community resources
- Providing ongoing education about addiction
- Offering a sober support network
- Counseling, coaching, and goal setting
- Career counseling and support
- Legal advice and support
- Financial budgeting and support
Many people in recovery experience ongoing, systemic issues with maintaining their sobriety, and the stress and worry related to these issues are triggers of relapse. Rehab aftercare services should be all-encompassing to provide support across all areas of life.
What Are the Benefits of Rehab Aftercare Services?
Substance abuse and addiction can have severe consequences in people’s lives. Those struggling with a substance use disorder often lose their jobs, have ongoing conflicts with family and friends, experience housing insecurity, and have financial or legal issues. Substance use disorders create problems that cause stress which triggers the person to use more often, creating a vicious cycle that is very difficult to break without professional addiction treatment. Studies show that individuals who participate in aftercare services have significantly lower relapse rates than those who do not receive aftercare support. Besides reducing the risk for relapse, three main benefits of rehab aftercare services include:
- Learning to apply new skills – Sustained recovery relies on using the tools gained in addiction treatment to everyday life situations. Without the help of aftercare services, it is easy to slip back into old patterns.
- Learning from other people – In aftercare, you can receive encouragement and constructive feedback from others who have been where you are. The process of sharing and listening to others with similar experiences reinforces the commitment to recovery a healthy life.
- Aftercare provides community – In aftercare services, you become part of a community of people with common goals. This community offers support and keeps you accountable.
It is critical to remember that if you do relapse, it is not a sign of failure but an indication that something in your aftercare program needs to be adjusted. When triggers arise, turning to your aftercare sober support network can help prevent a full relapse.
Contact Next Wind Recovery for Aftercare Services for Substance Abuse
Admitting that you have a substance use disorder takes courage. Getting sober takes commitment and hard work. Participating in rehab aftercare services following substance abuse or addiction treatment can help you transition into regular life while providing the support needed to help maintain your sobriety. Contact Next Wind Recovery at 201.331.6569 or reach out using our online form to learn more about our aftercare services.
