Conquering an addiction is not easy and takes a long time to get over it. For many, it is a lifelong battle to fully recover. The key is to use professional help like going to a Landmark Rehab Center or one similar.
Those facilities are a big help as they provide tools to use to get back to a normal life. However, life will never be totally normal unless there is aftercare that goes on after the rehab is over. Having aftercare is like building a foundation that recovery can sit upon. It is a long-term solution to problems that arise from the addiction.
In this article, we will go over several tips for aftercare to help overcome an addiction.
Therapy and counseling
During the time at an inpatient facility, therapy is a daily occurrence. In some cases, it happens multiple times per day. It is the bedrock of a program that treats the addiction by getting to the root of the problem.
Given the importance of it at the inpatient facility, it should be a given that this will continue as an aftercare strategy. It is often advised that a recent outpatient goes to therapy regularly to keep the momentum from the treatment at the inpatient center. The beginning phase of aftercare should see the newly recovered addict go at least once a week. If it is possible and the person has the time and desire, even multiple times per week is a good idea.
Going forward, the frequency can gradually be lessened by switching to bi-weekly and then to monthly as things work out.
Sober house
Many rehab centers have an associated sober living house that they refer some of their outpatient members to. These houses are ideal for outpatients that need help still but don’t require full-time treatment as they did at the rehab center. It gives them access to staff and helps to get through tough times.
They are temporary situations for up to a year where somebody can go about their daily lives of work or study and then come back to a controlled environment where they are less likely to relapse from their recovery.
How they operate is entirely dependent on the sober house itself. Some have a medical professional there, while others are managed by the residents themselves. The basics that are seen across the board are that it is mandatory to be sober and a curfew is in place.
Support groups
There is strength in a community. The members of a community often are there to hold each other up and offer support to the other members.
Support groups are like that community for those recovering from addiction. Whether they are early into their sobriety or have been for a long time, it is highly recommended for people to be a part of a support group.
They are an important part of the road to sobriety for many reasons. Chief among them is that they offer a judgment-free environment. The veteran members are often there to give advice and helpful information that can be used to support the recovery of the new members.
