Millions of Americans check into treatment facilities every year seeking professional assistance with overcoming their addictions to drugs and/or alcohol. Although a few weeks of rehab is an amazing start to recovery, aftercare is a critical component if one expects long-lasting results. Understanding what to expect during the aftercare process will help recovering addicts stay on track with their life goals, as well as help families understand how to best assist their loved ones during this process.
Benefits of Aftercare Programs
Although completing rehab is a commendable achievement, the true work begins post-rehab, which can be difficult since it requires a lot of mental and emotional strength. Upon completing rehab, individuals have to integrate themselves back into society, which can be difficult, especially without any support. Aftercare programs are beneficial because they provide individuals with guidance, counseling, support, and a safe environment that promotes personal development and expansion. Aftercare programs focus on three goals to help individuals acclimate to life after rehab.
The first goal is to rebuild self-accountability and a sense of responsibility for one’s own life. It’s important for individuals to hold themselves to a higher standard after rehab. The second goal is to help individuals regain financial stability in order to successfully function and contribute to society. The third goal is to rebuild any broken relationships with family members or friends because their support during the aftercare process is essential for maintaining a life of sobriety.
Types of Aftercare Programs
There are different types of aftercare programs to choose from. Some of them are even available at certain rehabilitation centers after completing their residential programs. Four popular aftercare programs are 12 step programs, dual-diagnosis support programs, family counseling, and traditional care programs.
12-Step programs are an excellent option for individuals who want to consistently check in with a group of people who share similar recovery goals, receive constant support, and possibly develop life-long friendships. These programs allow individuals to be vulnerable about their recovery journeys as well as listen to the vulnerabilities of others.
Dual-diagnosis support programs are available for individuals who are interested in getting to the root of their addiction by identifying potential mental disorders or psychological factors that may have contributed to substance abuse.
Family counseling is a critical component of an individual’s recovery process because families are able to analyze any behavioral patterns that may have enabled their loved one’s addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. As a result, better communication and healthier boundaries are established that will benefit all parties involved.
Lastly, traditional care programs provide assistance for individuals who don’t want to (or feel they can’t) return to their previous home. These programs offer living arrangements for individuals who need more time transitioning into a life of self-sufficiency.
Alternative Treatment Centers in Tennessee
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from a substance abuse disorder, it’s best to seek help from a rehabilitation center or an alternative treatment center. At Discovery Place, we offer alternative treatment programs for those who desire to overcome substance abuse addiction. Some of our programs include a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program, a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Program, and more. If you are looking for an alternative treatment center in Burns, Tennessee, call us to schedule a free consultation at (800) 725-0922.
