Why Developing an Aftercare Plan is Important
Aftercare as the Key to Success in Long Term Sobriety
Addiction recovery is a long-term process that continues after treatment is over. Aftercare is any type of ongoing care you receive after you leave rehab. Developing an aftercare plan allows you to anticipate future challenges to your sobriety and determine solutions in advance.
What is aftercare?
Aftercare is a plan to support someone in their early recovery, prevent relapse, and help them as they work toward their life goals.
It includes activities and resources to help a recovering person cope with triggers, stress, and cravings that they may face when treatment is over. Each person’s aftercare plan varies based upon their own needs. Your plan may include:
Participating in your treatment center’s alumni program.
Attending 12-step and/or other recovery meetings.
Reaching out to a sponsor and other members of your sober support system.
Attending individual and group counseling sessions.
Staying in a sober living program for a period of time.
Having an aftercare plan is important because many people face difficulties when transitioning out of treatment. The risk of relapse is highest in the first few months after someone leaves rehab. Between 40% and 60% of people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction experience a relapse at some point.
Developing an aftercare plan in early recovery can help prevent a relapse by providing you with support and allowing you to continue to work on issues surrounding your addiction. Once you feel established in your sobriety, you can also begin to give back to others who are newly sober.
Most rehab programs recommend that a person stay actively engaged in follow-up or aftercare for at least 1 year. You can also continue to modify your aftercare plan over time as your needs and goals change.
What does Asana Recovery have to offer?
At Asana Recovery, we offer an alumni program for people who have successfully completed treatment with us. Our program provides tools and support to help you cope with your addiction as you transition out of treatment, including:
Monthly virtual alumni meetings via Zoom
In-person alumni meetings
Alumni appreciation events
The goal of our Alumni Program is to connect you with continued support. In-person events help you to meet other sober people, discuss your experiences and struggles, and receive advice and encouragement. These events will also involve participating in fun sober activities so that you can begin enjoying life without using drugs or alcohol. Actively participating in the Asana Recovery alumni program can help you stay strong in your recovery and prevent future relapses.