Long-Term Sobriety: What to Expect After Completing a Rehab Program
Completing rehabilitation is a significant milestone on your way to sober living. However, it isn’t a one-and-done type of thing. Those who have finished treatment often find that they still struggle with stressors and triggers that can hinder recovery. The process involves taking things one day at a time.
Investing in aftercare treatment may be wise to combat daily stressors and triggers. Outpatient therapy assists you in working through mental health issues and developing a relapse prevention plan. It also improves communication with family and friends, and helps find employment.
You can talk to your rehab treatment team if you are interested in ongoing therapy. They can help you find outpatient programs as part of your aftercare plan. Aftercare plans are a “step down” from care, which allows you to sustain and solidify the progress you make during treatments and to prevent you from relapsing.
How do you make an aftercare plan?
Once treatment is over, you will meet with counsellors, therapists, or a case manager to assist you in establishing a plan. You may work with addiction professionals or outside therapists to develop a plan.
The members of your treatment care team can assist in designing your plan by considering your situation (whether housing, employment, or continued care is needed). The plan hinges on your recovery, needs, and progress.
Depending on your needs and progress, aftercare plans may extend for weeks, months, or over a year. Most places recommend that people remain actively engaged with follow-up care for at least one year. Furthermore, sober living programs can be modified as needs change.
Types of Aftercare for Sober Living
Aftercare plans involve interventions, activities, and resources to assist you in coping with stress, triggers, and cravings after finishing treatment. Each person’s plan is different and is based on their needs. It may include:
- Attending outpatient programs after finishing inpatient treatment.
- Residing in sober living homes for a short duration.
- Attending the treatment centre’s alumni programs.
- Participating in recovery meetings or 12-step programs.
- Going to group or individual counselling sessions.
Outpatient Aftercare
A structured program can vary in duration and intensity. Some programs meet daily, while others only gather a few times weekly. They benefit those who can regularly attend counselling and therapy sessions, live in a stable environment, have reliable transportation, and have family support for sober living after rehab.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Sometimes called day treatment, people visit the treatment centre or hospital for counselling for six to eight hours daily. Treatment times can vary according to the facility, but will include participating in several hours per day for many days weekly.
Counselling/therapy services may include:
- Group/individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication management
- Education groups
- Recreational/occupational therapy
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
In this case, treatment lasts for nine hours weekly, divided into three-hour sessions. While each program differs, IOPs combine interventions and evidence-based therapies. They may include:
- Behavioural therapy
- Group/individual counselling
- Psychoeducation
- Medication management
- Case management
- Family services
- Drug and alcohol monitoring
- Wellness program
- Peer services
- Educational/vocational services
- Mutual help groups
Standard Outpatient
These programs help patients maintain positive changes in behaviour associated with their substance abuse recovery. At this level, minimal medical services are provided. The treatment consists of under nine treatment hours weekly.
Sober Living Homes
At-home environments may not initially be conducive to long-term recovery. Therefore, having sober and stable housing becomes essential in long-term success. Being in an atmosphere where substance abuse exists can create urges to use and cravings, which can be challenging to control.
Sober living homes are alcohol- and drug-free with a supportive and safe environment. These locations foster a strength-based and person-centred approach to meet people’s goals and needs.
Those residing in these homes must abstain from alcohol and drugs, follow house rules, and actively work on recovery. While each home has its rules, common expectations include following curfew and finishing chores.
Many people participate in 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. Some homes may encourage meeting attendance, while others require it. Some studies support the theory that a higher involvement in these programs provides better long-term outcomes.
Recovery Meetings
These meetings are free and informal. They are mutual help groups for people and their families to recover from the effects of addiction. While there are various types, they allow members to meet and support peers. Attending each meeting also establishes a strong sober support network and increases accountability.
Recovery meetings can be in-person or virtual. Some also target specific demographics like women, men, or people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Alumni Programs
Several addiction treatment centres provide alumni programs for people who have completed their rehab programs. They provide support and tools to assist people in recovery to cope with their addictions while transitioning home. These addiction rehab programs can differ by the treatment centre, but may involve:
- Telephone hotlines/texting for support
- Monthly or quarterly sober events
- Online support using email, apps, message boards, or social media
- Telephone or in-person check-in
The goal is to connect people with ongoing support. In-person visits allow you to meet others in recovery, receive encouragement and advice, and talk openly about your struggles and experiences in a nonjudgmental environment. Fun sober activities may also be offered.
Active participation can help you remain strong in your recovery and prevent relapse.
What should I do if I relapse?
While having a relapse can feel devastating and like a setback, it doesn’t indicate that you have failed. Recovery involves a lifelong process, and it is common for people to have one or several relapses before obtaining lasting sobriety. The only thing that matters is how you respond after it happens.
Success will depend on your commitment to your goals, your application of what you have learned, and your willingness to seek support.
Contact New Dawn Medical
The staff at New Dawn Medical works closely with our patients to establish a realistic prevention plan and supportive aftercare choices. We will assist you in remaining or getting back on track without judgment or shame. By taking a compassionate approach, we empower our patients with positivity and let them know they have the tools to survive on their own, maybe with a little help.
To book your consultation to discuss your sober living options, call us at 647-625-8799 or 1-833-456-DAWN. You can also email us at info@newdawnmed.com or contact us online.
