Why Aftercare Matters

At Rehab-Finder.Org, we believe in the necessity of aftercare for a full recovery from substance abuse. Kicking a habit while surrounded by supportive counselors and fellow freedom fighters is admirable, but the real work is in maintaining your healthy habits long term.

Why Aftercare Matters

Relapse is an ever-present danger, and one to which many recovering addicts fall victim. Statistics show that around 46 percent of alcoholics who receive inpatient treatment relapse within six months of leaving their treatment programs. Sadly, that number rises to 48 percent of alcoholics who receive outpatient treatment. For those seeking relief from addiction to substances like crack cocaine and crystal meth, the post-treatment recovery rate drops down to less than 10 percent.

Recovery, Like Life, Is a Journey

The way to beat these odds is with a quality aftercare program. Rehab-Finder.Org counselors will help you customize your aftercare to provide you with exactly the kind of support you need to stay true to your commitments. You will learn to recognize the unhealthy lifestyle and relationship choices that led to addictive behavior in the past and develop strategies to avoid them. You will also acquire an awareness of societal and psychological triggers that could cause you to falter.

Also, if you do stumble and find yourself relapsing, you’ll know how to minimize the damage. Not only that, but you’ll have a sponsor or support group who will readily provide you with the understanding you deserve, and the encouragement you need to get back on your feet and move forward again.

Preventing Relapses Requires Planning

While your inpatient or outpatient therapy will help you overcome your dependence, aftercare programs keep you from the dangerous habits and behaviors that lead to your addiction in the first place. You’ll learn to identify and control your emotions, and recognize the unhealthy yet familiar patterns that would lead you back to where you were before recovery.

Ultimately, your aftercare will help you build self-efficacy, which is your personal belief that you can succeed in a given situation. This is vital for those leaving the supportive environment of a rehab program and re-immersing themselves in day-to-day life. Your belief that you can lead a sober life is foundational to your ability to do so, which makes it absolutely essential that you continue to seek assistance even after leaving treatment.

You’re Brave Enough to Seek Help – Have the Courage to Admit You Need Aftercare as Well

One thing we’ve heard too often at Rehab-Finder.Org is that a person will worry about an aftercare program after they’ve finished rehabilitation. Often, this is simply a way of avoiding what might be a painful conversation with family members that don’t know about their addiction, or an embarrassing admission to their social circle.

We truly understand wanting to avoid further difficulty – fighting against substance abuse is hard enough – but the truth is that societal pressure and other stressors are exactly what make an aftercare plan so important. It’s fair to say that after you successfully complete an addiction therapy program, you are a different person. This new you might not know how to navigate your old world, and will be tempted to rely on habits and strategies that were comfortable yet harmful.

Sadly, statistics support our theory. Relapse rates within the first year of leaving treatment can reach as high as 85 percent. The good news is that the longer you or your loved one can continue without a relapse, the more that statistic decreases – making aftercare a proverbial suit of armor to protect you while you’re most vulnerable.

Call us today at 877-251-4813 to learn more about how aftercare programs can help you stay sober.