Aftercare Program

Aftercare

Individuals who have completed an inpatient addiction treatment program often leave with a new outlook on life. They have developed new coping skills, identified triggers, built a healthy support network and are on the path to healing. However, recovery is a lifelong process. An aftercare program is designed to keep individuals engaged in their recovery as they make the transition out of treatment and into the real world. Aftercare programs help individuals develop new, healthier behaviors in order to prevent relapse and keep addiction from resurfacing.

What is Aftercare Treatment?
Aftercare programs include ongoing treatment plans for individuals who finish inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. Typically, an aftercare program will begin right after treatment ends. The goal of aftercare treatment is to help individuals avoid relapse and learn additional life skills to help them succeed in their recovery. Aftercare programs can involve outpatient treatment, counseling, family education, case management, sober living, and relapse prevention.

Types of Aftercare Treatment

At LA Outpatient, we have a wide variety of aftercare treatment programs that include the following:

Outpatient: Outpatient treatment is a less restrictive form of treatment than an inpatient program. An outpatient treatment program allows individuals to live at home or in a sober living home. An individual will be required to attend groups and individual sessions during the day. The amount of time dedicated to an outpatient program varies from 6 hours per day 5 days a week to 3 hours per day, 3 days a week. All outpatient treatment programs are individualized and depends upon the unique needs and circumstances of that person.

Counseling: A successful aftercare plan will involve counseling and therapy. Counseling is utilized to help an individual identify and prevent behaviors that may have contributed to their addiction. In an aftercare program, an individual will participate in both one-on-one sessions with a therapist, as well as participate in group therapy. Typically, an aftercare program will help individuals develop further life skills to help them be successful in the real world.

Family Education and Therapy: The family plays an important role in helping an individual succeed in their recovery. In aftercare programs, family therapy will be offered to continue the work that has been done in treatment. It is important that an individual maintain a healthy support system in order to be successful in their recovery. The family plays a vital role in this step. In many instances, family education will be offered as part of an aftercare program so that the family continues to learn ways in which they can help their loved one achieve lifelong sobriety.

Case Management: A case manager acts as an advocate, guide, counselor, and supporter. TA case manager’s role in an aftercare program is to help an individual find appropriate health care providers, navigate the legal system, or find affordable housing and childcare. They are meant to be part of the lifelong recovery process by strategizing and working with the individual to overcome any issues in their life that are preventing them from fully recovering.

Relapse Prevention: Relapse Prevention is one of the most important components of any aftercare program. Individuals who leave treatment are at a risk of returning to the same behaviors that led them to treatment in the first place. It is important that individuals continue identifying personal triggers and learn how to cope with them effectively.

Sober Living: A sober living home is a community house that provides a safe, secure space for individuals to recover with other people who are going through the same thing as them. Sober living homes are drug and alcohol-free settings that have strict rules – such as no substance use, drug testing, mandatory house meetings, and participation in household chores. The goal of a sober living home is to provide structure and community for the newly sober.

Alumni Groups: Alumni groups are built for individuals who have completed specific treatment programs. They are typically managed by an alumni coordinator who creates community events such as barbeques, hikes, and other type of meet-ups. Alumni groups allow individuals to continue to be engaged with their community and provide an opportunity for sober fun.

The goal of aftercare is to help an individual face the challenges of a sober life, while participating in a program that keeps them engaged in their recovery. Aftercare programs reinforce the skills learned in treatment and grant access to supportive individuals and groups who can help with the recovery process.

At LA Outpatient, we offer a wide variety of aftercare programs. Please call us today at
(818) 696-5019 if you are interested in learning more about the aftercare programs at LA outpatient.