Your journey does not end right after treatment – it is only beginning. Aftercare is an important part of the recovery process and can make the difference between relapse and maintaining sobriety. There are plenty of benefits of continuing care after residential treatment.
Recovery Is Life-long
One myth is that after treatment, you have fully recovered. This is simply not true. After experiencing treatment, you are only beginning your journey. This is because addiction is a disease, and like any disease, it can come out of remission. After treatment, you are learning how to exist outside of the treatment structure. While you are not completely alone and have built up a support system, you still need to learn how to be your own advocate and live life on your own, applying the tools you learned in treatment to your new life.
Transitioning Back Into the Community
After treatment, you are not expected to switch easily from treatment to make it in the “real world.” Aftercare focuses on supplying you with resources that allow for a smooth transition back into the community. Even in treatment, we start talking about plans after you finish initial care. Transitioning to a new life is a process that does not happen overnight. Just like you needed time to get acclimated to residential treatment, you also need time to acclimate to life after treatment.
At Chateau, we offer many different resources and support that assist in the transition back into the community. As an alumnus, you still have access to support meetings and mindfulness training after completing our program. We also assist you by creating a self-leadership plan. This plan allows you to think about the steps you will take after treatment. It gives you the space to take ownership of your actions and make a plan that keeps your needs and goals in mind.
Therapy and Group Support After Treatment
After treatment, these resources do not suddenly end. The healing is not done after 90 days. While you have made a lot of progress during your time here, healing takes time. Residential treatment allows you to become more physically and emotionally stable, giving you the space to set up the initial building blocks. You can still benefit from therapy and support after treatment.
After treatment, there is still a lot of work to be done along your journey. There might be enormous changes that need to be done to your life, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Continued support gives you the space to talk about these issues and find solutions. One-on-one therapy and group support might give you a space to talk about such problems. These could include navigating toxic relationships, transitioning into the workforce, and working through the stress that might come from adjusting to the changes.
Consider Taking a Resiliency Training Course
Our program also offers resiliency training for those outside of residential treatment. This is especially good if you work the front lines as a first responder. Resiliency training teaches a vital skill that allows you to face challenges with a clear head. Stress is a common part of life, and if you work as a first responder, you are likely to be exposed to stress and trauma in your job. Resiliency training teaches you how to recover after facing adversity. It covers how to face difficult situations on and off the job, without the lingering after-effects.
This type of training is highly recommended for first responders, but can also help anyone experiencing high levels of stress or have experienced adversity in the past. This type of aftercare is a fantastic addition to treatment and adds another tool to your toolbox.
Family Education for You and Your Loved Ones
Addiction is considered a family disease, meaning it can have severe effects on the family structure. Addiction is often hereditary, meaning those with addiction in the family are more likely to become addicted themselves. Addiction can also cause trauma, financial strife, and resentment that can only make the situation worse. Family education can help you if you have a loved one who struggles with substance use by teaching you about addiction and educating you on how you can help your loved one in recovery.
Through education, you can learn how to work as a stable support system for your loved ones. You learn about boundaries, better communication practices, and ways to have healthy relationships that allow for continued growth. Not only does this help a loved one in their recovery by creating a safe place for them at home, but it benefits the family by nurturing your growth, as well.
Staying Connected With the Alumni Community
Chateau has a vibrant alumni community going back to 2012. Our alumni network provides much-needed support for you if you are choosing sobriety every single day. Alumni bring to the table their stories and experiences, providing perspective and showing that recovery is possible. This vital connection allows you to continue on the path of wellness with support instead of going it alone.
We also benefit from continued alumni connection because you can offer feedback on where you would like to see us grow. Our alumni keep in contact long after treatment, providing much-needed perspective to our growing community, both staff and clients alike. Our alumni have been successfully sober for a while and can give you the insight and advice you might need when staying sober feels too difficult.
Recovery does not stop right after treatment. When you remain connected with the recovery community, you have a higher chance of staying sober. Those who are ending addiction treatment should make plans for aftercare. Our treatment center is glad to help you plan for your recovery future. Starting aftercare is highly recommended and increases your chances of staying sober.
While at Chateau, you have created a support network of those in recovery, trained staff, and alumni who have been in your shoes and can offer you advice during the worst of times. Having support and a community to lean on can help when things might feel bleak. Recovery is a lifelong process and it takes years to apply the tools learned in treatment and rebuild your life.
Do not go it alone. We are here to help you. If you would like to learn more about our aftercare program, call (435) 222-5225 today.
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