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Coming to rehab may well be the best decision you’ve ever made! By the time you are looking to leave treatment, you will be completely free of alcohol and drugs, but of course the journey continues.
The primary and secondary treatment programmes at The Providence Projects have been designed to ensure that the reintegration process is comfortable, although there will of course be challenges along the way, and this is where the aftercare plan comes in.
Triggers for relapse when recovering from drug and alcohol abuse can include environment, work, families, relationships and so much more. You will have worked on all of these issues as part of your rehab programme but it will now be time to put these skills into practice.
Recovering from Drug and Alcohol Abuse
During your treatment programme, you will work closely with your therapist, group, and possibly significant others to identify potential risks and difficulties when you leave rehab.
You will work on a plan with your therapist which will outline a range of coping strategies and exactly what you will have in place to give you the support and tools required. This is done on an individual basis as all clients are going back to very different scenarios.
Aftercare plans may include 1-1 counselling, exercise and wellbeing regimes, work, family counselling, attendance at 12 step groups, alternative therapies as well as some health hobbies and activities.
Life After Rehab
Your plan has been agreed and you successfully complete the treatment programme. It is now time to put the plan into action!
The Providence Projects have been providing treatment for 30 years and are here for you as long as you want our support. Although, you will have the plan in place, all ex clients can call or pop in at anytime to access further support or reconnect. In fact, we are still in regular contact with clients that were with us over 25 years ago.
Relapse Prevention
There is a real focus on relapse prevention during your treatment programme in order that you can identify and explore triggers; and more importantly, develop skills to overcome these. These sessions are a key part of the treatment programme alongside more traditional therapy. Whilst the traditional therapy is key for change, so the relapse prevention element is key for the development of required skills for a longer term recovery.
12 Step Programme
As part of the aftercare plan, most clients will commit to attendance at 12 step meetings whether that be Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous. There is considerable evidence to suggest that those who do get involved with 12 step groups experience significantly better long term outcomes.
Other Drug and Alcohol Recovery Groups
There are also a range of other recovery groups now available in the U.K. as well as local support groups which will be explored during the formation of your individual plan. We know that addiction isolates people and connection to others is key for the treatment of addiction.
Aftercare is crucial because it provides continued support and guidance for individuals as they transition back to their everyday lives. It helps prevent relapse by offering tools and resources to cope with triggers and challenges that may arise post-rehab.
The duration of aftercare can vary depending on individual needs and the type of programme. Some people may only need a few months of aftercare, while others may benefit from ongoing support for years.
Family and friends can support their loved one in aftercare by offering encouragement, understanding, and patience. They can also participate in family therapy sessions, educate themselves about addiction and recovery, and help create a supportive environment at home.