aftercare programWhat comes to mind when you hear someone mention their aftercare program? Do you picture a sober living facility, such as a halfway house? Do you envision people meeting together in a church basement to discuss the 12 steps? Both actually play important roles in a well-structured aftercare program for drug and alcohol addiction. And to many in recovery, aftercare is their most formidable weapon against relapse. But aftercare is so much more than just support groups and group housing. In reality, it becomes a way of life necessary to maintain a drug-free future.

What, Exactly, Is an Aftercare Program?

Aftercare, much like its name, takes place after treatment for drug and alcohol addiction concludes. Generally, after a client has been through detox, followed by a predetermined length of addiction treatment, they enter a phase of supported living that most facilities call “aftercare.”

In aftercare, clients continue to receive additional support to reintegrate back into the community. This help covers multiple facets of life, including:

  • Employment assistance
  • Community referrals for child care or cash assistance
  • Sober living facilities
  • Vouchers for public transit
  • Access to support group meetings
  • A 24-hour crisis intervention line

Clients fresh out of recovery often find themselves starting over again from scratch. They may need help to find a job or to learn how to use the county commuter bus. They may need to call upon community resources to help with clothing, housing, or child care. A strong aftercare program puts clients in contact with others who can help them on their journey to sobriety. Therefore, it’s an important part of every drug and alcohol addiction recovery program.

Other Services Provided by an Aftercare Program

Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities also feature alumni programs as part of aftercare. Alumni programs allow clients to return for regularly scheduled group events, such as picnics, dances, conferences, and annual reunions. During an alumni event, clients reconnect with those with whom they shared their recovery experience. They converse with others in recovery to discover new resources and methods that others find helpful.

Alumni events inspire and may encourage clients to re-dedicate themselves to maintaining a life of sobriety. Learning from the success of others is an important feature of drug and alcohol addiction recovery. It’s often during these types of alumni events that those who feel depleted find the inspiration and encouragement to continue.

The Role of a Sober Living Facility in Aftercare

Sober living facilities are usually group-type homes or apartments. They provide housing for clients who’ve completed the treatment program and attempt to transition back into regular, unsupervised life. As a transition point, sober living homes are beneficial because they require residents to become contributing members of the community. Most require residents to gain employment and pay a reduced form of rent. In return, residents receive comfortable housing and continue to take part in regular counseling activities. As a result, clients can transition slowly back into productive citizens’ roles — a vital role in addiction recovery.

The Aftercare Program at Insight Recovery Centers

For clients in Ashburn, VA, Insight Recovery Centers provides safe, effective treatment for addiction and mental wellness. Through our outpatient care program, clients find relief from addiction, depression, trauma, anxiety, and more. And once clients have been through our program, they automatically transition into our high-level aftercare program. The aftercare program at Insight Recovery Centers offers all the support our clients need to regain a firm footing in the community.

For more information regarding the aftercare program at Insight Recovery Centers, visit us online or call today at 703.592.6946. We’re here to support you through recovery and beyond.