Substance Abuse Rehab Aftercare: What is It, and Why Is It Important?
Substance abuse rehab aftercare is equally as important as the detoxification process. During this stage, patients are made to experience a life without dependence on detrimental substances like alcohol, hard drugs, and opiates. It is an essential step in making sure that relapse does not happen.
But there are many other things that go on during the aftercare process. And in this article, we will get to know more about what they are and why they are important.
What Exactly is Substance Abuse Rehab Aftercare?
We’ve already given a brief overview of aftercare and what it’s all about. The next valid question to ask would be, “what happens during aftercare?”
Here, patients participate in various activities to help them cope with triggers they can potentially encounter in their daily lives. In some cases, interventions are also done involving the person’s family and close kin.
Each aftercare plan is different, but generally, each one involves attending 12-step programs, staying in a sober living facility for a given period, and going through either group or individual counseling. For some people, reaching out to a sponsor could be necessary.
It’s important to note that aftercare isn’t only practiced for substance abuse. Every professional believes in the importance of this step, as it gives their clients the assurance that their needs are taken care of. And that brings us to our next point.
Why Is Aftercare Important?
We mentioned how aftercare is also for avoiding relapses from happening. It’s more of a long-term plan to help the patient have a relatively smoother transition from their old normal (substance use and dependence) to the new, healthier normal of a sober life.
To paint a better picture, here are some statistics: According to studies, between 40% to 60% of recovering addicts will eventually go through a period of relapse. It’s a high rate that people suffering from diabetes, asthma, and hypertension all go through.
Given that kind of vulnerability to falling off the wagon, aftercare provides that solid enough support system to keep the patient on the right track to recovery.
What Are Some Self-Aftercare Practices For Patients?
For a patient to fully recover, they should also do their part. As a start, it is recommended for them to carry on with attending recovery meetings. Being amongst people who are going through the same trials and tribulations gives that feeling of belongingness, which could help speed up the process.
Identifying potential triggers is another important aftercare practice. Patients know very well which aspects of their environment and daily life are possible jump-off points to their old, detrimental habits. But by listing them down, they get to have a much better look at what they’re dealing with.
Likewise, patients should develop a relapse prevention plan. Here, they will list down coping strategies that would help their situation the most. It could be something as simple as doing breathing exercises or journaling once those cravings suddenly emerge.
A Facility That Caters to Substance Abuse Rehab Aftercare
We at Believe Detox Center are firm believers in an effective substance abuse aftercare program. Our main goal is to make sure that our patients get the best form of treatment, both during their addiction phase and after.
For those living in the Granada Hills area of Los Angeles, this could be the facility for you. For inquiries, call us at (818) 308-3118.
