Making the decision to go to rehab can be life-changing. Rehab allows you to get sober, address the underlying causes of your addiction, and learn about the things you need to do to stay sober. However, rehab doesn’t cure addiction. There is no ultimate cure for addiction.
Addiction recovery is a lifelong process, and most people have to continue doing things for their recovery to stay sober. A reputable addiction treatment center will take several steps to help you prepare for life outside of the treatment center’s walls.
Here are 4 ways a drug rehab center can help you prepare for life after rehab.
1. Development of Healthy Coping Skills
During rehab, you will receive individualized therapy and counseling that helps you address the root causes of your substance abuse. However, you will also learn and begin developing healthy coping skills that will help you stay sober. The ability to deal with life’s stressors and painful emotions can prevent you from turning to drugs or alcohol for relief.
Examples of healthy coping skills you will begin practicing during rehab include:
- Journaling
- Deep breathing
- Grounding exercises
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Self-care
- Support groups
Your experiences in behavioral therapy sessions will also help you think more clearly. When faced with a challenging or triggering situation, you will be able to pause, see the situation clearly, and react appropriately. Healthy behaviors such as these can make it much easier to cope with anything life brings your way.
2. Relapse Prevention Training
Another way a drug rehab center will help you prepare for life after rehab is through relapse prevention therapy and training. Relapse prevention therapy consists of:
- Becoming aware of personal triggers or things that can lead to relapse
- Learning how to identify the stages of relapse (emotional, mental, and physical)
- Identifying coping skills that can help you avoid relapse
- Establishing a relapse prevention plan that outlines how you will prevent relapse in your personal recovery
By having a plan and being thoroughly educated on what relapse looks like, you will be able to recognize when you are getting off track. More importantly, you will be able to change your behaviors so you continue on the path towards sobriety.
3. Aftercare Planning
In addition to relapse prevention training, your counselor will work closely with you to develop a detailed aftercare plan that supports your unique needs. Like most other diseases, addiction must be managed on a long-term, continuous basis. Many patients can benefit from aftercare services such as:
- Sober living – Your rehab center can refer you to a nearby sober living home where you can live in a sober, supportive environment after rehab.
- Recovery coaching – Many substance abuse treatment programs have recovery coaches on staff who can act as your coach in early recovery.
- Alumni programs – Most rehab centers have alumni programs that bring together former patients who support one another after rehab.
- 12-Step fellowship – Your rehab center can help you locate nearby 12-Step meetings that you can attend for long-term support.
- Follow-up care – Depending on your needs, your aftercare plan could include follow-up phone calls, counseling sessions, or other forms of extended care.
- Medication management – If you are taking medication as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), your rehab center may have you do regular check-ins with your doctor after leaving rehab to make sure you are staying on the right track.
One or more of these aftercare services can help you stay sober after rehab by providing you with long-term support and guidance. Your counselor can help you choose the aftercare services that are best equipped to match your situation.
4. A Slow Transition With a Continuum of Care
Making a slow transition from higher levels of care to lower levels of care can make the process of leaving rehab less overwhelming. The idea that treatment should consist of multiple levels of care that match the progressive needs of patients is known as a continuum of care. A continuum of care may look like:
- Starting with detox or inpatient rehab
- Moving to a day treatment program
- Transitioning down to intensive outpatient (IOP)
- Ending treatment with a less intensive, outpatient program (IOP)
By moving from one level of care to the next, patients can slowly transition away from structured care to independent living. This removes the shock that can come after leaving a residential program. It can also reduce the risk for relapse by matching the services provided with the patient’s unique needs.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Find a Drug Rehab Center That Will Prepare You For Life After Rehab Today
Staying sober while enrolled in a treatment program is one thing, but maintaining that sobriety after you leave rehab is another. When you leave rehab, you may be faced with unexpected triggers, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a new, sober life that you must learn to navigate.
The good news is our accredited drug rehab center in Woburn, MA helps you accomplish more than just short-term sobriety–we provide you with the skills you need to stay sober and continue managing your addiction on a long-term basis.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you deserve. Our team of dedicated admissions specialists is available around-the-clock to take your phone call, assess your needs, and help you begin a new life. Call now to get started.
