If you are thinking of getting treatment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you are probably wondering what will happen at the end of treatment. Is aftercare offered? Yes, there are substance abuse centers in this area that follow through with aftercare, once you have been through their program.
Recovery from drug and alcohol abuse is a lifetime process. It does not just end the moment you finish your last outpatient session. At this point the journey to sobriety is just beginning. You’ve been treated for the addiction at drug or alcohol rehab, but there is more to come. Families with a member that has a substance abuse issue will be glad to know that aftercare is available to help their loved one continue on the path to recovery and a sober and more fulfilling life.
Aftercare Makes Your Step Out Into the World Easier
There are several parts to treatment before aftercare is suggested. When you enter the program you will be going through the treatment steps that include:
- Detox
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Aftercare
These steps all point the way to a lasting recovery that can be maintained. Detox helps rid your body of substances to begin the process of therapy and learning about why you became addicted. A structured program of care is the next step; it may be inpatient residential or outpatient care. After this, a solid plan is necessary; you are not just sent on your way alone. Aftercare involves planning and is the period following the initial recovery period. The goal of an aftercare program might be:
- Prevent a relapse
- Maintain recovery
- To find an enhanced life of purpose and meaningful relationships
Because the brain has been affected by long-term substance abuse, a person does not just snap back to normal brain functioning once the abuse has stopped. Severe psychological changes may persist after the withdrawal. A successful aftercare program might pay attention to the following issues, as recommended by government agencies:
- Health
- Home
- Purpose
- Community
The health issue will benefit from education related to the mental health, medical health and abuse of substances. Reducing the urge of the symptoms might be accomplished with medication and testing. A person must have s stable home environment and supportive housing in the aftercare period. The best aftercare programs offer programs that will offer support; they might include a connection to available services, finding options for housing, and help with transportation to appointments. The next step, purpose, is helping the individual find meaningful work, family or school responsibilities; this will aid in the motivation to remain free of drugs or alcohol. Community is one of the most important aspects of aftercare. Here you learn to build new social networks, have healthy relationships and improve on current ones.
Alumni services from some treatment centers help with life after rehab. Sober living homes may be a choice where a person can stay for up to a year. Support groups, such as 12-step programs have been helpful for those who have finished treatment. The person in recovery may begin to focus on long term goals and may begin to establish a healthy living daily routine. Therapy is also still helpful in the aftercare phase, as recognizing negative patterns and impulses is important to long term sobriety. Avoidance of talking too much about the past is a good idea as one goes out into the sober world and makes new acquaintances. Some alumni programs offer group meetings, activities and events, talks by others who have gone through recovery and more. They might also offer a chance for those in recovery to give back, through volunteering or peer support.
Now that you know that aftercare is available when treatment ends, are you ready to take the first step on your journey to sobriety? You don’t have to live with addiction. If you or someone in your family has a substance abuse issue, give us a call at 954-523-1167 now. Our counselors are here 24/7 to help you on the path to recovery that includes aftercare and direction for a lifetime of sobriety.