Just because your loved one has left rehab does not mean that their journey to recovery is over. It’s actually just beginning. Addiction is an ongoing condition that requires continued care and intervention. This includes several approaches, such as 12 step programs and therapy, and one of the most important things you can do is to offer your support as they work through aftercare drug rehabilitation. How to do that? Keep reading to find out.
What is Aftercare Drug Rehabilitation?
Aftercare is part of a rehab program that is used in early recovery when sobriety is brand new. Its aim is to prevent a relapse and guide someone toward healthier lifestyle choices, free of drugs. There are many components involved in aftercare, which could include any of the following activities or events:
- Involvement in the treatment center’s alumni program.
- Using a sober living housing environment.
- Attending recovery meetings.
- Staying in touch with a sponsor or other sober living support person.
- Going to counseling, either group, individual, or both.
Because up to 60 percent of people experience a relapse after leaving rehab, it’s vital to know and understand your loved one’s recovery plan so that you can help them stay accountable and offer them support throughout. As rehab ends, your loved one’s therapist, sponsor and other members of their care team will help create an aftercare treatment plan that you can assist in following outside the rehab environment.
Tips for Supporting Your Loved One
As a family member or friend, you are an imperative part of the recovery process. However, it’s important to remember that there’s only so much you can control and you need to pay attention to your own needs and care throughout recovery. Here are some ways to support your loved one through aftercare and continued sobriety.
- Educate yourself – understand the rehabilitation process, what addiction is and what sobriety looks like. Understanding what your loved one is going through will help you set boundaries, cope with the addiction and offer your support and accountability during recovery.
- Celebrate successes – small wins along the way are quite motivating and shouldn’t be discounted. Celebrate with your loved one when they reach sobriety milestones, even just a few days. Do this in ways that don’t involve exposure to substances.
- Encourage them – sometimes outside encouragement can keep someone in drug recovery going. Invite your loved one to eat healthy meals with you, exercise together, and enjoy recreational activities with one another. Support a healthy sleeping schedule and introduce new hobbies, as the opportunity presents itself.
- Attend therapy – as the family member or friend of a recovering addict, you can attend group, family, or couples therapy with them as you work through the issues stemming before and after the drug use.
Obviously, you will also want to keep drugs and alcohol away from your loved one. Even seeing these substances or being in a situation where they used before can be triggering. Avoid bars, restaurants, parties, etc. and know the signs of relapse so you can get help if it happens.
Partner with Canon Human Services Center, Inc. as you support your loved one. Contact us today for the help you need with aftercare drug rehabilitation.
