Completing substance abuse rehabilitation is an accomplishment that can set you on a lifelong path, free from addiction. Getting clean and sober can happen in treatment, but staying sober means committing to a new way of life. Most relapses occur in the first six months after treatment, and transitional support minimizes the chances of relapse. This discussion of continuing care may help you choose the best post-treatment support for you.
Transitional Living
Sober houses and transitional living facilities are designed to help individuals transition into their lives after a structured treatment program. Residents may also use these homes while they attend outpatient treatment. It can be jarring to go from a highly structured, supportive environment directly to your previous life and commitments.
Sober houses are semi-structured environments where residents follow house rules and have some level of professional support. Participants learn to return to independence gradually until they are prepared to face their lives fully. Specific programs may differ, but the basic model of incremental independence in a drug-free community will be fairly constant. A transitional sober house MD would offer will likely have a similar structure to one in Ohio or Maine.
12-Step Programs
A standard of ongoing addiction support, 12-step programs are available in most towns. In urban areas, there may be meetings any hour of the day or night. These programs originated from Alcoholics Anonymous but have branched out to address nearly every form of addiction. The 12 Steps are a spiritual program for living, free from substance abuse, one day at a time.
Individual or Group Therapy
In most cases, individuals with substance abuse problems have co-occurring emotional and mental health issues. It is important to continue the work that was begun in treatment. Participating in therapy with a counselor well-versed in addiction is strongly recommended for newly sober people.
Using these tools for transitional support after addiction treatment can help prevent relapse during a risky time period. These programs teach participants that it’s possible to have a life free from substance abuse and prepare them for returning to full independence.