Recovery from addiction does not cease when the period of treatment ends. Aftercare treatment is a continuum which follows right after an inpatient or outpatient treatment. It is very essential to observe the post-treatment time interval of the patient, because this period is very sensitive and giant strides can be made during this period of recovery.
On a conventional basis, aftercare involves reduced frequent contact with the counselor or therapist than the previous stages of treatment. Hence, it is a reality situation where the addict needs to display self-sufficiency, willpower and diligence in ensuring his or her sobriety.
In most cases, the change to self-sufficiency from acute treatment, will be closely observed at different time intervals in a week. Sometimes, there will be nice incentives for the patient to evade trigger situations and fight off the urges to go back to the addictive acts or substances again.
The thorough aftercare plan involves proper monitoring and it also helps to detect if there is a possible relapse, and it paves way for a re-assessment which would birth a personalized treatment plan, which ensures the safety and health of the patient.
People who finish all the phases in a rehab program are not cured, what occurred is just the completion of the early stages of their recovery. There is no cure for addiction particularly for substance addiction, and the goal of any rehab program is to equip clients with tools to aid them undergo abstinence and recovery in the long-term.
When an individual leaves the rehab program, there are challenges and temptations which they will face, that can induce a possible relapse. Aftercare programs are structured to equip individuals with assistance, skills and instructions which will improve their chances of experiencing recovery success in the long-term.
Aftercare treatment is an integral part of an active recovery program, as it reduces the possibilities of an individual experiencing relapse. With an aftercare program, the individual becomes stronger and he has a better shot at living a sober life.