Healing from addiction is a process that usually has several phases of treatment to allow for sustainable and long-term recovery. One, sometimes overlooked, but essential part of recovery is aftercare planning.
The Importance of Aftercare Planning
Aftercare planning is built into many treatment plans. The purpose of aftercare is to support the needs of those for recovery as they transition to less intensive care. This support is especially important to have as individuals as move from residential treatment back into their everyday lives without the structure of residential care. It helps them have a plan for dealing with everyday stressors and triggers healthily to maintain their sobriety.
Defining New Recovery Needs
One important piece of aftercare planning is defining what an individual’s new and continuing needs for support are. Checking in at various points during recovery to discuss which goals are being met, which are still in progress, and what new goals come up, as well as what is needed to experience continued healing, is crucial for experiencing wellness.
Beginning Aftercare Planning
Treating addiction requires more than simply completing an inpatient program. Having care as individuals transition from one phase of recovery to the next is essential when reintegrating into their lives and learning to balance it with recovery. Aftercare planning begins with meeting with one’s treatment team to discuss what one needs for continued recovery and implementing the support needed to make that happen.
Everyone needs continued support in their journey to healing from substance abuse. Although some individuals may feel they do not need help, allowing themselves to receive support in ways that align with where they are and where they are headed instead of where they have been is what allows natural change and growth to happen.
Aftercare is an essential part of any treatment plan. Through aftercare planning, chances of relapse are minimized and the chances of experiencing long-term recovery and sobriety are raised.
Aftercare planning is often integrated into treatment programming for addiction from the moment you walk in the doors. Without aftercare planning, relapse is more common and long-term sobriety is harder to maintain. Just as individuals change in different seasons of life, needs for treatment change in different seasons of healing. At Avalon Malibu, our team is here to support you and give you the support you need along the way as your needs change. If you are ready for support in your growth, call Avalon Malibu today at (844) 857-5992.
