What Are Addiction Aftercare Services?
Addiction aftercare services such as our alumni program are designed to assist those in early recovery in maintaining their sobriety by participating in additional levels of addiction care, 12-step support groups, and sober living homes. Additional levels of clinical care can include participation in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or an Outpatient Program (OP). Self-help groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are a beneficial part of aftercare. Community-based support structures include sober living communities, online sobriety meetings, and relapse prevention programs.
Continuing Your Recovery
The level of addiction recovery services that are best for each person varies. However, at Midwest Detox Center, we believe that if you have the resources to continue facility-based clinical treatment, then you should
Different treatment centers offer different levels of care. Midwest Detox Center specializes in detoxification and inpatient treatment for addiction. Once you have been cleansed of all substances and have participated in early addiction therapy programs, you will be ready to graduate and move onto a lower level of care. The phrase “lower level of care” does not mean “less caring,” but rather more freedom. Our staff can help you plan your next step as you move closer to completing our program. We can educate you on programs offered by other TruHealing Centers, or another provider, that will best address your unique needs.
In the levels of care discussed below, it is common for you to live in a sober living home, at home with family, or somewhere with a strong support structure that will give you the best chance of lasting recovery.
After detox or inpatient treatment, it is common to continue recovery in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). These types of programs are beneficial to people in early recovery. In an IOP or PHP, you go to a treatment center and participate in group therapy, individual counseling, learn additional coping skills and relapse prevention techniques.
The main difference between PHP and IOP is the intensity and frequency of therapy. PHP treatment is more demanding than IOP, requiring more visits and sessions per week, making its intensity similar to some residential recovery programs.
12-Step Support Groups
We recommended that all people in recovery that are managing an addiction regularly attend support groups based on the 12 steps of Alcoholic Anonymous. At a support group, recovering alcoholics and substance users meet and discuss shared issues, setbacks, and the progress they experience in their day-to-day lives.
The issues discussed range from why they got sober to managing stressors and triggers to avoid relapse. Support groups provide several benefits to people in recovery. The most notable benefit is that it is a judgment-free zone where members feel comfortable sharing, receiving feedback, and feeling a sense of stability. A camaraderie is formed with regular participation at a local group with regular attendees. Most people in the program find AA and NA to be a valuable source of advice and information and a place they can seek help when needed from their peers.
Sober Living Homes
A sober living home is a residence for people recovering from substance use. Some sober homes are associated with treatment centers or government organizations, but many operate independently.
Studies show that sober living homes increase the likelihood that people in recovery will remain sober. This is accomplished by strong peer support from fellow sober living residents and sober living managers. While not always the case, most sober living communities have a leader or manager that enforces rules on the property. Rules generally include a requirement to participate in random drug testing, curfews, attendance of 12-step meetings, adherence to housekeeping guidelines, and more.
Many sober living homes have stricter guidelines for new residents that are gradually lessened the longer the individual lives in the home.
Know Someone Struggling with Addiction?
Midwest Detox Center offers detox and residential treatment for you or a loved one struggling with addiction. Aftercare is a critical component of support for those who have completed detox and rehab, but if you don’t take the first step and get help, your chances of a successful recovery are significantly lessened. Below are some links to help you take the first step:
- Is a residential treatment program right for you?
- Expedite admission to our facility by verifying your insurance. Verify Now
- Get help today: an addiction specialist is available to discuss treatment options that are right for you. Call now at 833.647.0392 or contact us online
