Just as addiction to alcohol or other substance impacts your life and relationships, so, too, does care after addiction treatment. In fact, aftercare is absolutely essential to immediate recovery and long-term resiliency.
Let’s talk about why you cannot do without addiction aftercare and where you can go for outstanding addiction treatment in Richmond, VA.
Just What Is Aftercare?
Aftercare begins before discharge from an intensive program of drug or alcohol recovery. It assists individuals in avoiding relapse to previous deleterious habits and helps them develop the necessary life skills to transition back into everyday routines at home, school, and the workplace.
Aftercare reinforces the positive habits treatment has put in place and helps recovering individuals avoid the circumstances, people, and places that trigger addictive behaviors. So, there is a strong element of personal accountability which is an integral part of aftercare.
What Does Aftercare Involve?
Addiction aftercare is multi-faceted. It may involve regular attendance at 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. One-on-one counseling helps people rebuild life skills and interpersonal relationships, manage cravings and triggers and identify risky environments, companions, and behaviors.
Also, some people need and receive psychiatric care to explore and treat underlying mental health disorders which can foster the desire for an addictive substance. Examples include PTSD and depression. Psychiatrists may recommend medications and cognitive or behavioral health strategies to deal with these issues.
Finally, aftercare involves the maintenance of physical health. That means regular exercise, recreation, good nutrition, sufficient nightly sleep, and positive interactions with family and friends. These health maintenance basics contribute to the recovering individual’s resiliency and feelings of hope and accomplishment.
Is Aftercare Really Essential to Addiction Recovery?
The answer is yes. People who once were addicted to alcohol or drugs fare much better back in their familiar environments (family, school, friends, community) when they participate in aftercare right after discharge from their inpatient addiction programs. Additionally, people must diligently adhere to patient-set goals and provider-supplied care plans for up to five years after achieving sobriety through an inpatient treatment program.
Recovery requires diligence to reduce the chances for relapse, avoid re-entry into an inpatient program, and manage symptoms and triggers. As time passes, aftercare builds self-esteem and confidence, and relationships are restored and made stronger when the individual’s significant others see ongoing resiliency and dedication.
Addiction Treatment in Richmond, VA
If you or a loved one need an effective addiction treatment, contact EPIC Health Partners LLC. Our highly qualified and compassionate team of providers offers both clinic-based and community-based behavioral and mental health services for adults and children.
Our main goal is to provide therapeutic interventions using evidence-based practices for affected individuals. If you require support, we will assess and identify your personal needs and provide a course of treatment designed to help you enjoy a positive and rewarding life.
To learn more about our services, contact EPIC Health Partners today at (434) 835-4601 or use our convenient and secure Request an Appointment form.