When people struggle with a substance use disorder, seeking professional treatment dramatically increases their chances of succeeding in recovery. However, the fight against substance abuse doesn’t end with rehab. Thankfully, aftercare programs at Promises Austin can smooth the transition from rehab to normal life while reducing the chances of relapse. Relapse prevention counseling is an essential part of staying sober.

What Are Aftercare Programs?three women sit on a couch together laughing and talking about their aftercare programs

Firstly, it’s important for people to understand what rehab aftercare programs are. As the name suggests, these programs start after people complete primary treatment. In fact, they’re individualized plans that experts create based on people’s time in rehab. As a result, aftercare plans meet their specific needs.

However, why are these programs so important? If people complete rehab, haven’t they overcome addiction? Unfortunately, addiction isn’t that easy to overcome. In fact, it’s a chronic disease that has no cure.

In order to avoid relapse, people have to continue working on sobriety. Thankfully, aftercare programs can aid their fight to stay sober. This is thanks, in part, to the skills and techniques that they learn in rehab.

Types of Aftercare

One of the main benefits of rehab aftercare programs is that there’s no set formula. In other words, specialists customize the programs for each person. Doing so ensures that the programs address the unique challenges that people face.

For example, 12-step groups are popular types of aftercare programs. In fact, Alcoholics Anonymous made the 12-step recovery model popular for alcohol use disorder. However, plenty of 12-step programs are available to help people with all types of substance use disorders. Of course, these programs are usually more effective for those who undergo traditional rehab first.

Likewise, support groups are great programs that provide a form of aftercare treatment. Keep in mind that while all 12-step programs are support groups, not all support groups are 12-step programs. As a result, people who don’t like the 12-step model can still find a support group that’s right for them.

Who Is Aftercare Treatment For?

Aftercare programs are for everyone. Both men and women can benefit from them once they finish traditional rehab. In fact, these programs can actually help them with relapse prevention. The longer that people spend in aftercare, the less likely that they are to relapse.

The amount of time that it takes to finish aftercare treatment depends on the individual. The programs can last anywhere between 12 and 24 months. Of course, people can always choose to enroll in aftercare for longer than that if they wish. In the end, what matters is that they can maintain recovery on their own.

Also, it’s important to remember that people can still relapse when aftercare ends. This never-ending threat makes addiction a chronic disease. However, aftercare gives them the tools to protect themselves and reduce their chances of relapse.

Promises Behavioral Health Has the Right Aftercare Plan for You

Do you need help creating an aftercare plan that works for you? If so, don’t worry about creating the aftercare plan yourself. Reach out to Promises Behavioral Health, and let our team of experts provide guidance and support. We can offer aftercare programs that keep you on the sober path after treatment.

Of course, Promises Behavioral Health has more than just aftercare treatment. In fact, we have a wide variety of programs that address substance use and eating disorders. A few of them include:

Get the most out of your time in rehab when you enroll in aftercare programs following rehab. Find out how aftercare treatment can help you with relapse prevention. Contact Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609 for more information.