Even though 3 out of 4 people who go through addiction treatment fully recover, it’s a long journey after leaving rehab until you reach a place of peace and sustainability.Â
But, the good news is, with proper aftercare planning, there’s no reason you can’t thrive after going to an alcohol rehab center.
Going through alcohol treatment centers San Diego facilities for substance use disorder and other addictions can be overwhelming.
Walking out into the world and getting used to a new lifestyle afterward can feel daunting and scary.
So, you must plan ahead and get continued treatment to support you through this phase.
Thankfully, this article will walk you through the steps, so you’re fully prepared to leave rehab.
Why Is Aftercare Important?
When you’re living in an alcohol rehab center and receiving treatment, it can be hard to imagine life after the process.
The world outside might seem unknown and unfamiliar, and most people who have been to rehab need support to adjust to life post-treatment.
Aftercare refers to this stage of transitioning to everyday life after treatment. It’s crucial if you want to avoid relapse and develop healthy coping skills.
Sober living programs and other aftercare methods, like planning appointments, are part of the healing process when leaving San Diego alcohol rehabilitation.
So, what exactly are the different types of aftercare options?
Aftercare Options For You
First on the list of aftercare options is sober living programs. These housing facilities offer a space to live and recover after treatment.
The residents in sober living homes have also often been through rehab, so it’s a safe place for people suffering from substance abuse disorders. In this housing, there are strict rules about no alcohol or drugs.
And these kinds of programs are great for encouraging independence as you can learn to do household chores, house meetings, and drug screening.
That way, you can get used to living environments outside a rehab center before entering the workforce or living alone.
Support Groups
Another type of aftercare planning is attending support groups where you can meet people who are going through the same process and where you can seek support.
You can find support groups for your specific situation and sign up anonymously in most cases to protect your identity. So, you don’t need to be worried about showing up and feeling anxious.
Everyone is in the same position, and you can keep your privacy if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Organize Ongoing Therapy With Professionals
During treatment at a rehab center, you’re typically given therapy with a mental health professional. For most people, this becomes a source of comfort and a time when you can speak about your worries and problems.
If you don’t want to stop therapy when you leave rehab centers in San Diego, you don’t need to.
There’s always the option of organizing ongoing therapy in your aftercare plan. This ongoing therapy is referred to as outpatient rehab as you’re not monitored 24 hours a day, and you can still live at home.
All you have to do is attend meetings like a regular therapy session. But, depending on your situation, a mental health professional will suggest how frequently you should come for therapy.
Benefits of Good Aftercare Planning
Although people can leave treatment feeling in control and on top of their problems, that doesn’t mean that things won’t happen that could trigger a relapse.
For instance, stress and personal events might lead to slipping into old habits. So, an aftercare plan is vital to limit the risk of relapsing and returning to San Diego rehab centers.
Avoid Relapsing
Substance use disorders often occur in people suffering from anxiety and depression. Or it can lead to people developing these mental health problems.
Therefore, having a support structure and regular habits after treatment is essential for coping with other mental health problems.
If patients don’t have coping strategies for their mental health problems, they can use substances again to cope.
The last thing you want is to put in the complex and challenging work at rehab and return at the beginning of your journey. As long as you have aftercare planning like therapy, you can seek support when you need it.
Relapse can be avoided if you have a safe and predictable structure to help you through challenging recovery moments.
Commitment To Lifelong Journey
People who suffer from addiction face the overwhelming difficulties of putting in the work for the rest of their life to cope with their personal problems and triggers.
So, receiving rehab is only the first step.
Prioritizing aftercare shows that you’re committed to a lifelong process of healing and getting better. It’s the only way to ensure that you keep moving forward and healthily overcome your triggers.
You need to focus on a positive future and improvement if you want to heal from past trauma and addiction.
Therefore, even if treatment at rehab goes well, the next step is to implement healthy changes in your daily life afterward.
Foster New Connections
The last life-changing benefit of aftercare is that it allows you to foster new, fulfilling connections with people. That means you could make new friends at support groups or have professional support with your professional career.
Leaving rehab can feel like entering the world as a new person. So, having a healthy support network will make you feel confident in your new life. But, you don’t need to deal with everything alone.
It’s ok to need continued help.
Life Begins After an Alcohol Rehab Center
That’s why our team at Apex Recovery is the best treatment facility in California and can help you with all aspects of treatment, including aftercare.
After going to an alcohol rehab center, you can still get a supportive and encouraging network of therapists and support groups, even when you’re living alone.
But, you need to plan for it and focus on building the right tools, so you don’t relapse in your recovery.
Thankfully, we can help you through all of it. Our team of professionals is ready to help you navigate life post-treatment so you start the next chapter in life with confidence.
Get in contact to find out about our aftercare options and how we can help you. We don’t accept Medi-Cal at this time but do accept self-pay options.