Drug Rehab Aftercare Programs

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is a vital step to long-term recovery. Alcohol and drug rehab aftercare is another crucial part of the recovery process. At Chattanooga Detox Center, we are here to guide our clients during their aftercare planning. During inpatient treatment, clients actively engage with professionals and peers. During these programs, they can learn new things about themselves and what drives their addictive behaviors. However, inpatient detox and addiction treatment are only the beginning of a person’s recovery.

Why is Drug Rehab Aftercare Important?

Aftercare is a critical step to recovering from addiction or any lifelong disease or illness. For instance, if a person suffers an asthma attack so severe that they get emergency care services, they don’t become “cured” after leaving the hospital. They will likely receive instructions for managing future attacks, avoiding asthma triggers, diet recommendations, exercise plans, and other directives. These lifestyle changes will help a person prevent future attacks and hospitalizations. This is similar to how drug and alcohol aftercare plans help prevent relapses and inpatient detox.

Drug and alcohol rehab aftercare plans help a person with some of the following:

During aftercare, a person can continue to work on their recovery without the restrictions of an inpatient facility. Aftercare allows clients the opportunity to try out their new recovery skills in the real world while still under the guidance of a treatment provider.

Alcohol + Drug Rehab Aftercare Program Options

There are many options for alcohol and drug rehab aftercare programs. These options range from community support in peer recovery, like 12-Step programs, to outpatient therapy with a licensed counselor. A person can even reside in a sober living program, which can help them stay safe from triggers while navigating life in recovery.

Some of the most common aftercare programs include:

PHP

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is one of the highest levels of care for outpatient treatment. After inpatient rehab, a client could choose to step down to a PHP. During a PHP, clients get treatment six days per week for several hours each day. These programs are great for those who still need a lot of support, yet can maintain sobriety outside of a residential program. However, a person can also stay in a sober living program while attending PHP.

IOP

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are similar to a PHP, except they offer a more flexible schedule. An IOP occurs during the evening hours to fit around a person’s work, school, or family routines. Most IOPs offer anywhere from nine to 20 hours of programming each week. Clients attend sessions that can include things like one-on-one therapy, group support meetings, and life skills training. These programs are great for people who still need a high level of care but with more flexibility.

Sober Living

Sober living programs are a great aftercare option for those who cannot return to their home environments after rehab. Some people live in toxic environments, which could trigger a relapse during early recovery. Sober living homes offer a person the security of a residential program without the restrictions of remaining in a facility. Many people attend a PHP or IOP program while residing in sober living. Chattanooga Detox Center helps clients find an accredited facility when they choose sober living as an aftercare rehab option.

Ready to Escape Addiction? Let’s get started.

Chattanooga Detox Center is a premier leader in the provision of addiction treatment services. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (423) 455-9887 to speak with an admissions specialist who can get you started on the road to recovery.

(423) 455-9887

What Happens If I Relapse in Aftercare?

Like other long-term illnesses, relapse is always a possibility in recovery from addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):

“Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses.”

NIDA also states that relapse can be part of the process of recovery. When a person relapses, they can learn from the experience and learn more about their triggers or underlying issues.

Therefore, when a client relapses during aftercare, they can take a step back in treatment and learn from the event. Sometimes, clients feel overly confident in their ability to maintain sobriety without much support. Or, a person might feel ready to step down to a lower level of care, yet find out that they need more intensive support. So, if a client relapses during alcohol and drug rehab aftercare, they can go back to a more appropriate level of support, like detox or residential treatment.

How Long Does Aftercare Last?

The length of an aftercare program depends on a few factors. For one thing, each treatment program will have its own length. For example, a PHP might last four to six weeks while a person could remain in sober living for three months or more. In addition, other forms of outpatient care, like one-on-one therapy can last for several months or years after treatment.

Overall, it is important to remember that recovery from addiction is a lifelong process. Throughout this process, each person will have ups and downs. Sometimes, they will remain sober for years and then relapse after a significant life event. Aftercare programs can help a person gain the skills they need to prevent or identify a relapse while also keeping them connected to the recovery community.

Find Alcohol and Drug Rehab Aftercare Programs in Chattanooga, TN

Inpatient detox or residential treatment is only the start of a person’s recovery journey. They will need to continue their care afterward to succeed in recovery and maintain their sobriety. At Chattanooga Detox Center, we begin aftercare planning while our clients are in treatment. That way, they can transition from one stage of recovery to the next without treatment gaps. We can also connect clients and make referrals to appropriate providers to meet our client’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment and aftercare.

Drug Rehab Aftercare Programs