| When someone concludes their stay at an addiction | | | | • Family and friends: Meeting friends and family |
| rehabilitation centre, it does not mean they are | | | | again after rehab can be both uplifting and upsetting. |
| completely cured forever and never have to worry | | | | Some of those close to you may find it difficult to |
| about their addiction ever again. Rehab is not a | | | | move on and forgive. Aftercare will help you find |
| silver bullet for addiction and although life can improve | | | | ways to heal these relationships, as well as accept |
| in many ways after treatment, there will still be | | | | others' feelings without letting them affect your |
| challenges ahead. | | | | recovery. |
| Aftercare is designed to help those with addiction | | | | Types of aftercare |
| problems to cope with these challenges and to | | | | There are a number of different types of aftercare |
| rehabilitate into a substance-free life. An effective | | | | available. It's worth discussing the aftercare |
| aftercare programme also helps prevent relapse. | | | | programme on offer with the different rehab centres |
| Aftercare is every bit as important as initial | | | | you're considering. |
| treatment in helping individuals stop using substances | | | | A common type of aftercare is ongoing counselling. |
| in the long-term. | | | | This may be available by phone and online, as well as |
| Why does aftercare matter? | | | | in person. You may also wish to attend group |
| Aftercare is an essential part of any recovery from | | | | sessions, such as group counselling or 12-step |
| addiction programme. The challenges those with | | | | meetings. Find out more about what each entails to |
| addiction problems may face in the short-term after | | | | ensure that it will suit you. |
| a stay in a rehabilitation centre include: | | | | There are also systems available where individuals are |
| • Tempting situations: When an individual is in | | | | paired up with a "buddy" for support. Often a client |
| rehab, they are out of their everyday environment | | | | newly out of rehab will be partnered up with |
| and this can make things easier. However, eventually | | | | someone who has been sober for a long-term. |
| normal life has to be resumed and this can present | | | | Length of aftercare |
| situations and relationships which offer the | | | | The reality is that those with addiction problems are |
| temptation to use substances again. | | | | never fully ‘cured' and support may be needed |
| • Stressful situations: Returning and re-adjusting | | | | long-term. How long an addiction sufferer attends |
| to normal life can be quite stressful and stress is | | | | aftercare is an individual thing but many people carry |
| often a trigger for substance use. Rehabilitation, | | | | on attending for years, if not forever. They find it |
| including aftercare, can help individuals develop new | | | | helps them to stay strong and focused. |
| coping strategies for coping with stress. | | | | |