When looking at the relapse rates for those who have an addiction, one might begin to feel discouraged. The reality is that you have a better chance of recovering from addiction than cancer, hypertension, diabetes or asthma. The only reason relapse numbers seem high is because those with an addiction tend to get in their own way. When you’re in treatment, it’s important that you understand how crucial a rehab aftercare program is if you want to maintain your recovery.
During your stay at an addiction treatment center, you go through a variety of different therapies and get many suggestions. All of this information is great to help prepare you for living a new life in recovery, but it can still be overwhelming. A rehab aftercare program enables you to continue to have the support you need when you transition back into real life. A quality treatment center will recommend different programs for you, and all you need to do is be willing.
The Three Essentials for Recovery
The idea of never drinking or using drugs again can be extremely overwhelming because drugs or alcohol are all you know. It’s comforting to know that when you step into a life of recovery, you don’t have to worry about the future. All you have to do is learn how to stay sober one day at a time, and that’s much easier to achieve. You may think recovery is going to be difficult, but with the three essentials, you’ll be fine.
The only things you need in early recovery are:
- Honesty
- Open-mindedness
- Willingness
These are often known as the H.O.W. of recovery, and this is a great way to keep it simple. You may be worrying about everything you think you might have to do to stay sober. That can be overwhelming as well, so just keep it simple with the three essentials of recovery.
Stay Open-Minded About a Rehab Aftercare Program
A major part of recovery is learning how to stay humble and acknowledge that you need help from others. You may be able to excel at many things, but you are going to treatment because you don’t know how to stay sober. By acknowledging this, you’ll be able to stay open-minded when you receive suggestions for a rehab aftercare program. This is important because many people think they no longer need treatment, but they’re mistaken.
The Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
Residential rehab is sometimes the first part of the addiction treatment but an intensive outpatient may work the best for you. After detox, outpatient rehab helps you get on the right track and set up some good habits while also learning about your addiction. Outpatient gives you the opportunity to put your new tools to the test while still having a lot of support.
You may finish residential treatment and believe you have enough knowledge to deal with loved ones and work. Many people don’t realize how difficult it is going to be to transition back into their lives until they try to do it. By being in the outpatient program, you will know that you have somewhere to go to bring up these new life issues. You will stay sober, participate in life, and attend to your responsibilities with the support you get at outpatient rehab. Surrounding you will also be others who are at this stage of their recovery as well, so you’re not alone.
12-Step Programs
One of the best forms of aftercare is attending some type of 12-step rehab program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. In treatment, you will learn about these different support groups and why they are so beneficial. Not only will you have support as you begin your life in early recovery, but you’ll hear some great suggestions. The suggestions you hear from others with years of sobriety will give you additional tools to navigate life.
Steps to Recovery is here to provide you with excellent treatment as well as a strong aftercare plan. Start today. Contact Steps to Recovery at 267.719.8528.