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What Are Addiction Treatment Aftercare Programs?
Addiction treatment aftercare programs, also known as continuing care, are designed to provide ongoing recovery support after a person completes an initial form treatment, such as our specialized intensive outpatient program (IOP).1 Aftercare programs aim to help people sustain sobriety, reintegrate into society and their daily lives, and build a fulfilling, substance-free life.1Maintaining Long-term Sobriety With Aftercare Support
Maintaining long-term sobriety can be challenging, but aftercare support can significantly increase a person’s chances of recovery success.2 Aftercare programs can help people navigate the complexities of life after treatment, such as triggers or managing co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. People in recovery typically benefit from a strong sense of community that involves connection with others who understand the struggles of addiction. Regular recovery check-ins and accountability measures can help people stay committed to their sobriety goals. By integrating aftercare support into a comprehensive recovery plan, people can build a fulfilling, substance-free life, which can, in turn, increase their chances of sustained recovery and personal growth.The Benefits of Aftercare & Relapse Prevention Support
Aftercare programs help people strengthen the coping strategies, life skills, and relapse prevention techniques that they learned in rehab, which allows them to navigate challenges and triggers they may encounter in their daily lives. By fostering a supportive community and offering ongoing support, aftercare programs can increase a person’s chances of sustained recovery and help reduce the risk of relapse. They can ultimately play a key role in helping maintain the transformations that began in rehab and promote long-term health and well-being.Aftercare Support Options for Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Aftercare may include a variety of services, such as:- Individual or group counseling.
- Ongoing behavioral therapy.
- Family therapy.
- Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- Recovery check-ins with your rehab.
- Online support.
- Alumni Programs.
- Sober living options.
- Our PATH program, which offers a combination of clinical case management and coaching services.
Rehab Aftercare Individualized Treatment Plans
As with an initial treatment plan, a rehab aftercare plan should be individualized and tailored to a person’s unique needs.4 According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, any treatment plan should take into account a person’s medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems, and be appropriate to their age, gender, ethnicity, and culture.4 Aftercare can involve a wide range of therapeutic approaches designed to help people maintain lasting sobriety and wellness. Our individualized aftercare services offer ongoing support that involve evidence-based methods and guidance from our trained professionals. We are committed to ensuring that each phase of the recovery journey, including aftercare, is based on understanding, respect, and a genuine dedication to our clients’ success.Elements of an Aftercare Plan
As mentioned above, an aftercare plan can involve various components, which can vary depending on a person’s needs as well as their unique preferences. Saddle Brook aftercare planning can include ongoing counseling, therapy, support groups, online support, or our Alumni Program, where you can connect with our network of over 10,000 sober peers regardless of your location. Those who complete our IOP may also choose to “step-down” to a less intensive form of care, which may involve transitioning to another facility, such as standard outpatient treatment, operated by our parent organization, Guardian Recovery.Support Groups & Continued Therapy
Support groups are a cornerstone of most aftercare plans, as people tend to benefit from the camaraderie and support of others who know what it’s like to be in the same shoes. Support groups provide opportunities for people to continue cultivating the coping skills they learned during treatment, foster improved interpersonal skills, and help maintain feelings of self-efficacy.5 Continued therapy, either in an individual or group context, allows people to continue working on underlying issues that led to or contributed to their addiction as well as any related mental health concerns. People can explore their feelings, thoughts, and personal goals and challenges in a safe and supportive environment that is tailored to their unique preferences and situation.Complimentary Insurance Check
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Vocational Training & Career Counseling
People in recovery often struggle with complex challenges related to employment and economic independence.6 As a part of a complete aftercare plan, vocational training and career counseling can play an important role in helping people reduce behaviors related to substance use and improve their employability, which can set the stage for a more fulfilling and productive life.6 Research has shown that people who complete vocational counseling as a part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program are more likely to obtain employment and experience an improved quality of life.6Sober Living Support
Those who are facing addiction and come from unsafe or unstable home environments often require additional living support to help maintain their newfound sobriety. As mentioned previously, sober living refers to structured, supportive environments for people in recovery from substance misuse and addiction.3 They are substance-free residences that provide a safe space where residents can focus on their sobriety in the presence of others who are working toward similar goals. One of the main benefits of sober living is a sense of community, which can foster accountability and encouragement.3 During their stay, people typically participate in different group activities, counseling, and skills training, which can enhance their ability to cope with various life challenges. Additionally, sober living helps ease the transition back to everyday life, which can help people achieve a sense of stability and reduce the risk of relapse once they are living back in their own homes.Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Immersion Recovery Center
Delray Beach, Florida
Princeton Recovery Center
Princeton, New Jersey
CuraWest
Denver, Colorado
Tampa Addiction Center
Largo, Florida
Pine Tree Recovery Center
Portland, Maine
The Plymouth House
Plymouth, New Hampshire
New Pathway Counseling
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Dallas Addiction Center
Plano, Texas
Saddle Brook Counseling Center
Saddle Brook, New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery is a long-term undertaking that requires dedication and commitment. An aftercare program can last as long as is necessary and as long as the person still obtains a benefit. People can elect to end their participation in aftercare whenever they want to, but it’s always advisable to have some form of ongoing recovery support in place to reduce the risk of relapse and maintain the gains you’ve made during treatment.
Yes, you can certainly continue to work while participating in aftercare. Aftercare options are usually flexible in terms of scheduling and often take place in the evenings or on weekends, which means you can continue to attend to your daily responsibilities, including work.
It’s advisable to have an aftercare plan in place after completing an IOP. We will work with you to determine the appropriate and best aftercare options for your needs, whether that means transitioning to standard outpatient treatment, participating in our Alumni Program, receiving online support, or engaging in other forms of care.
Family involvement can be a crucial component of an effective aftercare plan. Guardian Recovery offers a wide range of family-oriented services, including family therapy as well as our intensive Family Workshop.
Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of aftercare services, but this can vary widely depending on your specific type of insurance coverage and plan. Some forms of aftercare, such as support groups, are often free of charge. Regardless, it’s wise to check your coverage with your plan administrator, or you can call us at 1-888-483-1517 to speak to one of our knowledgeable admissions advisors about your insurance benefits.
Our team of addiction treatment professionals will work with you to determine the best aftercare options for your needs and preferences. Some types of aftercare work better for certain people than others, and we will certainly discuss the available options with you to ensure that your aftercare plan suits your specific goals and wishes.
Various aftercare services are available for those who have completed a more intensive form of addiction treatment. You may participate in one or a combination of options, including individual or group counseling, ongoing behavioral therapy, family therapy, support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), our Alumni program, online support, sober living, or recovery check-ins
Yes, you can have access to support groups as well as ongoing therapy as a part of your aftercare plan. We will help you find the most suitable options for your needs and goals, whether that means participating in individual or group therapy, attending 12-step meetings, or a combination of these and other forms of aftercare.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I Have an Addiction Issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- McKay JR. Continuing care research: what we have learned and where we are going. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2009;36(2):131-145. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2008.10.004
- McKay JR. Impact of Continuing Care on Recovery From Substance Use Disorder. Alcohol Res. 2021;41(1):01. Published 2021 Jan 21. doi:10.35946/arcr.v41.1.01
- Polcin DL, Korcha R, Bond J, Galloway G. What did we learn from our study on sober living houses and where do we go from here?. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2010;42(4):425-433. doi:10.1080/02791072.2010.10400705
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).
- Tracy K, Wallace SP. Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2016;7:143-154. Published 2016 Sep 29. doi:10.2147/SAR.S81535
- Kim M, Byrne AM, Jeon J. The Effect of Vocational Counseling Interventions for Adults with Substance Use Disorders: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(8):4674. Published 2022 Apr 13. doi:10.3390/ijerph19084674
