According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 21 million Americans suffer from addiction.[1]
Addiction is a complex and progressive disease that must be treated professionally. Without professional treatment, if you struggle with this condition you will face a variety of consequences, including financial distress, social isolation, declining mental health, and physical health issues.
Addiction treatment centers can help you or your loved one get back on your feet after addiction. These programs provide you with coping mechanisms to overcome triggers and ways to heal from the causes and effects of your addiction. However, recovery from addiction does not end after you complete treatment.
Rehab centers understand that recovery is an ongoing process, which is why they provide drug rehab aftercare services.
What is Drug Rehab Aftercare?
Drug rehab aftercare services are the final component in a full continuum of care. This extends beyond inpatient and outpatient programming, providing you with support outside of the walls of the facility. Aftercare services are for people who are newly sober from drugs and alcohol and wish to sustain their achievements moving forward.
Aftercare can help you take responsibility for your long-term recovery by providing you with an opportunity to take advantage of extra services. These services provide you with the same support you received in treatment without the same level of structure and intensity. Additionally, drug rehab aftercare is tailored to the individual, meaning you will receive services that are specific to your unique needs.
What Aftercare Services Does a New Jersey Rehab Offer?
Drug rehab aftercare is a wide-ranging term that covers a variety of services. In a New Jersey rehab, aftercare services range from sober living programs to 12-step meetings. The wide range of services ensures that you and everyone else who utilizes these services will receive the support they need.
Alumni
Alumni is a program that allows you to interact with other people who have completed treatment at the facility you attended. Alumni provides the ability to gain support through social media pages, fun alumni events, and meetings that allow people to share their experiences, strength, and hope.
This program empowers you to access a community of support and keeps your mind focused on recovery after you leave treatment.
Sober Living
Sober living is one of the most rewarding aftercare services you can take advantage of. Sober living programs are structured homes that you can live within, receive recovery support, and make lasting friendships.
These houses usually have a set of rules that are enforced by a house mom or dad. Weekly drug testing, curfews, and chores are enforced, providing you with a sense of accountability that is important to your recovery. Additionally, going to self-help meetings like AA or SMART Recovery will be required while you stay in a sober living home.
These houses provide you with the structure and accountability you need to make a smooth transition from addiction treatment to living in the real world as a sober individual.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs are secondary treatment options for individuals who have completed an inpatient program. These programs do not require you to live at the facility. You can either live at home or within a sober living program.
This aftercare option provides you with an array of therapeutic treatments, such as behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy, recreational therapy, and more. Outpatient rehab is just a less intensive form of inpatient treatment that allows you to begin transitioning into everyday life while you continue to receive support.
Other Aftercare Options
There are a few additional aftercare options you can choose from that are less intensive than the ones mentioned above. Oftentimes, people decide to use these aftercare services in combination with the previously mentioned services. However, it is an option to use these as standalone aftercare services.
12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous can provide you with a program of action to use that will help you navigate life as a sober person. The 12 steps associated with these programs teach you how to overcome the effects of your addiction and be a happy, functioning person in society. Additionally, the support you will receive from other members of the program can help you navigate hard days and tough times.
Self-Help Groups
Self-help groups for addiction are alternatives to 12-step groups. Some people do not like the spiritual aspect of 12-step meetings, which is why these alternatives are available.
Examples of self-help groups you can attend include:
- Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery.
- Women for Sobriety.
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.).
- LifeRing Secular Recovery.
- Moderation Management.
Recovery Coaching
Recovery coaching is a type of counseling that focuses on helping you deal with life as a sober person. Recovery coaches help you navigate sober life, reduce your risk of relapsing, and help you achieve life goals. This is an excellent form of aftercare that you can use to overcome the barriers that life throws at you and learn how to navigate difficult times.
Finding Help for Addiction and Alcoholism
If you or a loved one suffer from addiction, it’s time to seek help. This condition can lead to an array of devastating consequences, and in some cases, cost you your life, but treatment is available.
Contact Moving Mountains Recovery Center today for more information on our addiction treatment program in New Jersey.
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