| Completing a stint in a rehabilitation centre or on | | | | - Group therapy sessions |
| some other rehabilitation programme is a massive | | | | - 'Buddying up' with someone who has been sober |
| achievement and sets many people up for a sober | | | | following treatment for a long time |
| life. However, there are still many challenges to | | | | - Online therapy |
| overcome and the weeks and months immediately | | | | - Ongoing medical support |
| following rehab can be the most precarious. A good | | | | Finding aftercare |
| aftercare programme will help you stay sober after | | | | Most good rehabilitation programmes will offer |
| your rehabilitation programme and is an essential part | | | | aftercare as it is an essential part of becoming |
| of the journey to leading a substance-free life for | | | | addiction-free. However, many people fail to take this |
| many with addiction problems. | | | | offer up because they feel they are already 'cured'. |
| Rehab: An ongoing process | | | | Aftercare should always be undertaken, no matter |
| Many think of rehab as an isolated stint in a rehab | | | | how confident you are that you have beaten your |
| centre or a short course of treatment. However, | | | | addiction. You will almost certainly experience |
| addiction is never really 'cured' and therefore the | | | | moments of weakness and challenging situations and |
| need for addiction treatment is ongoing. Ongoing | | | | aftercare can help you cope with them. |
| aftercare after rehab treatment has ended helps | | | | More about aftercare |
| individuals to cope with the realities of returning to | | | | You may continue the treatment you have received |
| their everyday lives and to confront tempting or | | | | in a rehab centre by continuing your aftercare there. |
| stressful situations. | | | | For many, this continuity of care is beneficial as they |
| What does aftercare consist of? | | | | have already built up relationships and routines. |
| The term 'aftercare' refers to ongoing treatment | | | | However, due to geographical issues this isn't always |
| after a stay in a rehab centre. It doesn't refer to any | | | | possible, but it doesn't mean you can't undertake |
| specific type of therapy or treatment. | | | | aftercare. A good rehab centre will help you research |
| Common types of addiction aftercare treatments | | | | and access aftercare in your area and discuss the |
| include: | | | | best solutions for you. You can also get help and |
| - 12-step meetings | | | | advice from your GP and from addiction support |
| - One-to-one therapy/counselling | | | | workers in your area. |