Alcohol + Drug Rehab Aftercare

There is no doubt that addiction is one of the most insidious diseases on the planet. It is a disease that can completely transform a person into a shell of themselves, while also harming those they love. Addiction is not a curable disease, but it can be treated with the appropriate professional care. Someone who struggles with an active addiction can easily succumb to their disease at any moment. However when addiction treatment is obtained and a drug rehab aftercare program is in place, those who have substance use disorders can learn how to manage them all while abstaining from using drugs or alcohol in the future.

For some, the recovery journey begins in a high-level addiction treatment program such as a residential treatment program. Others may begin their care in an outpatient program. Regardless of where somebody begins in their recovery, it is critical for them to have a sound and sturdy drug rehab aftercare plan that they can follow when they leave the comforts of treatment. Studies show that those who participate in aftercare exercises are more likely to stay sober and avoid relapse than those who do not. For some, aftercare is something that they focus on heavily in the beginning stages of their recovery and then slowly step back from. Others, however, continue to practice aftercare skills for the rest of their life in order to maintain their sobriety and the recovery they have continually worked so hard for. 

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What is Drug Rehab Aftercare?

When a client finishes their treatment program prior to leaving and returning back to their everyday life, they will work with the team they have established at the treatment center to develop an effective drug rehab aftercare plan that meets their unique needs. Depending on each client, their alcohol and drug rehab aftercare program may be highly structured or may have a looser structure. Following an aftercare plan is absolutely vital, especially upon completing treatment at a facility. 

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What to Expect From a Drug Rehab Aftercare Plan in Birmingham, AL

What kinds of things are included in an addiction aftercare plan? Of course, every client is different, so not every aftercare plan is going to look like the next. But in general, the following things are often involved in most aftercare plans:

  • Daily structure — Clients can benefit from developing a general, daily schedule for themselves that provides them with structure and support, especially in the beginning days, weeks and months of their recovery. For example, a client’s daily schedule might include breakfast, work, lunch break, exercise, therapy, time with family, and so on. Having a daily schedule written out can take the guesswork out of figuring out how the day is going to be executed.
  • Mental health resources – Prior to a client leaving their treatment program, it is helpful to have a therapist and an idea of what support groups within their community they would like to attend as they gain their footing in the real world. A therapist can provide individual therapy sessions and can also be there for individuals if they feel like they might be slipping or need an additional session to get back up on their feet. Local support groups like 12-Step groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous are excellent mental health resources, for they offer everyone involved a safe space to talk about their feelings, listen to the testimonies of others, learn from each other, and gain hope.
  • Relapse prevention skills – All clients transitioning back into their everyday lives should have a set of relapse prevention skills that keep them from drinking or using drugs in the future. These skills have likely been developed over time within treatment, however even simply writing down those skills and putting a small list in your purse or wallet can make a huge difference in preventing a relapse. Therefore, discussing and determining how to implement these relapse prevention skills is something that clients can work on with their team of therapists and counselors prior to completing their treatment program.
  • Relapse plan – Before a client leaves treatment, they must face the possibility that even with all their hard work, they still may experience a relapse in their future. Relapse certainly does not equal failure, but having a plan for what to do in the event a relapse occurs is absolutely vital to help maintain recovery. Therefore, working with therapists and counselors at the treatment center to develop a plan for what to do if the client relapses is extremely important. This plan can include who to contact in an emergency, the number of the treatment facility, the numbers of the client’s physician and mental health care provider, along with any other information that the client feels important to disclose in the event of a relapse.

All aftercare plans are not made equal, but a client can expect to have these and other elements included into their own personal drug rehab aftercare plan so that they can continue to build upon a foundation of recovery that will keep them on the right track for as long as possible.

Types of Alcohol & Drug Rehab Aftercare Programs in Birmingham

At Birmingham Recovery Center, we believe that every person who receives treatment at our facility deserves to have a fully customized experience that reflects the specific ways that they have been impacted by substance abuse and addiction.

This commitment to personalized care extends to our aftercare planning services. Effective drug rehab aftercare in Birmingham can look very different from one person to the next. As we do when a person first enters our facility, we thoroughly assess each client’s needs and develop the individualized aftercare plan that best aligns with their current needs and future goals.

The following are examples of the many elements that may be included in a client’s drug rehab aftercare plan at Birmingham Recovery Center:

  • Sober living: Sober living residences are supportive places where adults can live while they’re working to establish a firm foothold in early recovery. Features of sober living residences may include counseling, group sessions, random drug testing to promote accountability, and a variety of additional services.
  • Individual therapy: Attending therapy sessions on a regular basis can be an important component of an effective drug rehab aftercare plan. Depending on each person’s specific circumstances, we may recommend weekly, biweekly, or monthly therapy. This schedule can be adapted as needed throughout a person’s recovery journey.
  • Outpatient psychiatry: For people who are recovering from both addiction and a mental health disorder (which is known as dual diagnosis), outpatient psychiatry may be an essential service. Failing to receive proper psychiatric support can undermine a dual diagnosis client’s efforts to maintain the progress they made while they were in treatment.
  • 12-Step support groups: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other 12-step support groups host meetings every day in communities throughout the United States and in many other countries. Active participation in 12-step groups is an ideal way to share support with other members of the global recovery community. 
  • Career counseling: The impact of addiction isn’t limited to a person’s physical and mental health. Many people who enter treatment for addiction have lost their jobs or had their careers derailed due to their past substance abuse. Career counseling as part of a drug rehab aftercare plan can help people make a successful return to the workforce.
  • Legal support: The legal consequences of untreated addiction can include being arrested, fined, and jailed. They can also include losing custody of one’s children, having a driver’s license revoked, and being prevented from earning or retaining certain professional licenses. For people who have experienced these types and other legal ramifications, legal support can be a necessary part of drug rehab aftercare.

Begin Alcohol and Drug Rehab Aftercare in Birmingham

If you or someone you love has worked hard to build a successful recovery from addiction, drug rehab aftercare is an absolute must. At Birmingham Recovery Center, we believe in remaining as connected as possible to one another in our community so as to help continuing maturing in recovery and abstaining from abusing drugs or alcohol again. If you are ready get help for yourself or a loved one, call us or visit our admissions page right now.

drug rehab aftercare, Aftercare
drug rehab aftercare, Aftercare
drug rehab aftercare, Aftercare
drug rehab aftercare, Aftercare
drug rehab aftercare, Aftercare
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