If you are considering going to a rehabilitation facility to help overcome addiction, you might want to know what to expect after rehab. The follow-up care after treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. Failing to follow proper aftercare might make you more likely to have a relapse. Many facilities offer out-patient treatment where you can ease back into your normal daily life slowly. It’s also a great idea to continue with the therapy and counseling that are a huge part of recovery. And finally, you might want to check out support groups when you leave the facility. Finding people that understand your struggles and who will support you in your sobriety journey is very important for your overall success.
After Rehab: What to Expect When You Leave
Follow-Up is Important
After rehab, it can be quite a shock to return to normal every-day life. Oftentimes, the stressors that lead to drinking come from home life or work life. When you leave a rehabilitation facility, you’ll be back dealing with those triggers again. Hopefully, you will have learned some important coping skills during your rehab stay. However, follow-up is very important to prevent a relapse.
Out-Patient Treatment
After rehab, many facilities provide out-patient treatment. This involves counseling or even oversight by a medical professional. However, you’ll live at home instead of at the treatment facility. Another option is a half-way house, or recovery home. This is a sober living facility that provides some support for recovering alcoholics.
Counseling
At a rehabilitation facility, therapy and counseling are a part of every day life. Often, it can be very helpful to understand the triggers that lead to drinking. That way, you can learn healthy ways to cope with those stressors in your life without turning to alcohol. After rehab, it’s important to follow-up with the therapy that you started during your stay. Continuing your counseling can help you maintain your sobriety and help you deal with times when the urge to drink is stronger.
Support Groups
Finally, after rehab, many people find it helpful to explore support groups. These are groups for like-minded individuals who are also struggling with addiction. Finding peers that understand your struggles can be very helpful for your recovery. Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous allow members to cheer one another on in reaching milestones, as well as provide education about addiction.
Going to a rehabilitation facility to get your addiction under control is a great idea if you are struggling with alcohol or drugs. However, while you learn important skills at the facility, the transition back home can be very difficult. After rehab, you’ll be faced with the same stressors that might have lead to your drinking in the first place. Therefore, follow-up care is very important for your overall success. Learning to manage those stresses through counseling or therapy can be very helpful in preventing relapse. You might consider out-patient treatment or staying at a sober living home for a time while you transition back to daily life. And finding a support group can also be very helpful. Finding the support you need to continue your recovery will make you successful in your journey to stay sober.