Before you leave treatment, the facility should help you set up a post-rehab drug treatment plan. There are many people who go through the drug addiction treatment process and believe they’re magically cured. But, to maintain long-term recovery, it’s important to recognize that an individual must work on their recovery daily. In order to make this process easier, a quality treatment facility will set you up with additional help post-discharge.
Your therapists and counselors will personalize your aftercare planning to your specific requirements since everyone needs something a little different in recovery. For example, one of the leading causes of relapse is an untreated dual diagnosis. Because of this, the professionals at the addiction treatment program facility you choose will add follow-up care to your aftercare regimen. You may also require additional therapy or doctor’s appointments to improve your health. Depending on your personal situation, it also may be a good idea to find a sober living home once you leave.
Why is an Aftercare Program Necessary After Rehab?
Many people recovering from addiction have this misconception that addiction treatment is a cure. The reality is that a person doesn’t develop an addiction in a day or even a month, and it’s naive to think that you can treat the problem in this time frame. The goal of treatment is to help a person create a sturdy foundation for his or her personal recovery, which is ongoing and long-lasting. Treatment is going to help you or your loved one discover where the cravings and urges to engage in substance use disorder originate from.
Through a wide range of treatment methods, clients learn what their triggers are and how to overcome them. Many of these therapies are like training wheels while the person is in treatment. The goal is that once individuals are ready to finish treatment, they can continue using the tools they’ve learned. Some of the common addiction therapy services a client will go through include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Aftercare and Sober Living Options in Oregon
One of the most common forms of rehab aftercare is sober living, which is necessary for a variety of reasons. In most cases, those in recovery aren’t ready to move directly back home after treatment. Typically people in recovery and family both need additional time to heal and rebuild trust. Options for sober living typically include the following options:
- Sober Living Homes: These are group homes for those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Most of these homes are privately owned and they provide a substance-free environment that promotes healthy habits and continued sobriety.
- Halfway Houses: Halfway houses are another type of sober living option, often government-funded, that provides transitional housing for individuals recovering from addiction. They offer a structured environment that helps residents transition back into society while maintaining their sobriety.
- Transitional Housing Facilities: These facilities, sometimes referred to as sober living programs or halfway houses, provide housing and support for individuals after treatment. The length of stay in such a facility can vary depending on individual needs.
- Rehab Aftercare: Some rehab centers offer aftercare programs where individuals can live after receiving treatment. Choosing the right aftercare option can significantly support recovery efforts.
- Recovery Residences: These are also referred to as sober living homes or transitional living arrangements. They can be a step down from intensive treatment programs and provide a supportive environment for those in recovery.
There are also those who have a toxic living environment and are at a high risk of relapse if they move home too soon. This can make a sober living option much more appealing so individuals have the opportunity to practice their new skills in a less risky environment. Sober living in conjunction with outpatient addiction treatment can make the transition back to normal life much smoother as people receive additional support.
The Benefits of Aftercare Support After Treatment
Aftercare programs and sober living homes provide a number of benefits for individuals recovering from addiction. Here are some key advantages:
- Structure and Routine: These programs often provide a structured environment that helps residents maintain regular schedules, which is crucial in the early stages of recovery.
- Supportive Community: Living with others who are also in recovery can create a strong sense of community and mutual support. This can provide motivation and encouragement, which can significantly aid in the recovery process.
- Accountability: Sober living homes often have rules and guidelines that residents must follow, such as maintaining sobriety and attending meetings or therapy sessions. This accountability can be highly beneficial for maintaining sobriety.
- Safe Environment: For individuals in recovery, it’s crucial to stay in an environment free from drugs or alcohol. Sober living homes provide this safe and substance-free environment.
- Transition Assistance: Aftercare programs can help individuals transition back into society while maintaining their sobriety. They can provide assistance with finding employment, securing housing, and other aspects of reintegration.
- Continued Therapy and Counseling: Many aftercare programs continue to provide therapy and counseling services to residents. This ongoing support can be very beneficial for long-term recovery.
Remember, the effectiveness of aftercare programs and sober living homes can vary based on individual circumstances, so it’s important to research and consider personal needs when choosing a program.
Aftercare Options for Individuals with Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis is when a person has an addiction to alcohol or drugs as well as a mental health disorder. As a result, individuals must monitor the status of their mental health after treatment. During early sobriety, many people experience more severe symptoms of anxiety or depression. Continuing to see a therapist or counselor post-treatment is a way to track a person’s progress.
Some people take different non-narcotic medications for mental illness. Additionally, there are some people who stay sober long enough to see their symptoms of mental illness begin to disappear. As a person stays free of substance use, the chemicals in his or her brain begin to balance more each day. Some people can come off the medications completely after a long period of sobriety.
Others may require ongoing adjustments to their medication regimen. Individuals suffering from more serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or OCD may need to continue to try new medications or make adjustments to their current dosing. For many suffering from mental health conditions, medication management will be necessary to manage mental health symptoms in recovery.
Who Qualifies for Aftercare Programs?
Qualification for aftercare programs and sober living homes can vary widely depending on the specific program, location, and funding. However, there are some common criteria that many programs consider:
- Completion of a Treatment Program: Many aftercare programs require that individuals have completed a primary treatment program such as detox, residential treatment, or outpatient treatment.
- Commitment to Sobriety: Individuals are often required to demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining their sobriety. This can involve adhering to house rules, participating in group meetings, and avoiding substance use.
- Age and Gender: Some programs may be gender-specific or age-specific. For example, there are sober living homes specifically for men, women, young adults, or older adults.
- Ability to Pay: While some programs receive government funding or donations and can offer reduced-cost or free services, others require residents to pay out-of-pocket. The cost can vary widely, so it’s important to inquire about this upfront.
- Health Status: Depending on the level of support provided, some programs may require that individuals are in stable physical and mental health.
It’s important to note that these are general criteria and can vary greatly from one program to another. Always reach out to individual programs for their specific qualifications.
How Long Does Rehab Aftercare Last?
The length of aftercare programs can vary significantly depending on individual needs and circumstances. Some people may participate in aftercare for weeks or months, while others may continue for a year or more. There is no set length of time for formal treatment or aftercare programs.
The most intense outpatient treatments, like Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), often include services five days a week. Additionally, certain research suggests that aftercare programs should ideally last at least 12 months to be effective.
However, it’s important to note that the duration of treatment can range from 30, 60, and 90 days to extended periods in sober living homes, based on each patient’s specific needs. In some cases, aftercare programs can last from a few months to the rest of one’s life.
Therefore, the length of an aftercare program is highly dependent on the individual’s recovery progress, personal circumstances, and the specific program’s structure.
Our Portland Oregon Aftercare Program
Crestview Recovery is one of the leading treatment facilities for men and women in the Pacific Northwest. We offer different forms of evidence-based treatment for you or your loved one to begin addiction recovery. Before our clients leave, we ensure they have a discharge plan that they’re confident in.
Whether you’re making the first steps toward recovery or are ready to execute your post-rehab aftercare plan, Crestview Recovery can help. Contact our Oregon addiction treatment team today to learn more!
