Why You Need Aftercare Following Addiction Treatment
- May 17, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Addiction recovery doesn't end when treatment does; it's a lifelong journey. The transition back into the community can be challenging, but with the right aftercare, maintaining sobriety is possible. It’s essential to have a plan and resources in place to support this new phase of life.
What is aftercare in addiction recovery?
Aftercare following addiction treatment provides resources and support to help you smoothly transition back into the community. It includes ongoing therapy, group support, and other programs that reinforce the tools you learned in treatment, helping you apply them to your new life.
Explore how continuing care after residential treatment can make all the difference in your recovery. We have a lot more to share about the benefits of a strong aftercare plan, from family education to alumni support.
Your journey does not end right after treatment – it is only beginning. Aftercare following addiction treatment 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.
Aftercare Following Addiction Treatment: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Does recovery end after treatment?
No, recovery is a lifelong journey. After treatment, you are just beginning to learn how to exist outside of a structured environment and apply the tools you've learned.
• How does aftercare help with transitioning back into the community?
Aftercare provides essential resources and support, such as therapy and group meetings, to help you make a smooth transition from residential treatment back to your daily life.
• What is resiliency training?
Resiliency training is a course that teaches you how to face and recover from adversity and stress with a clear head. It's especially useful for first responders but can benefit anyone facing high-stress situations.
• Why is family education important in addiction recovery?
Family education helps loved ones understand addiction and learn how to create a stable, supportive environment. It teaches boundaries, communication, and how to build healthy relationships.
• What is the benefit of an alumni community?
An alumni community provides a vital support network where you can connect with others who have been successful in sobriety, share experiences, and receive advice and encouragement on your own path to wellness.
After reading about the importance of aftercare in addiction recovery, we invite you to take the next step with us at Chateau Health and Wellness. Our commitment to your long-term sobriety doesn't end with residential treatment; it's just the beginning of our partnership. We're here to provide the continuous support and resources you and your family need to thrive in recovery. Together, we can build a personalized aftercare plan that addresses your unique goals and challenges. If you or a loved one is ready to embrace a new path, please give us a call at (435) 222-5225. We are ready to help you on your journey.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
