A good rehab program can help you build the foundation for lasting recovery from drug or alcohol use disorder. However, rehab is only the first step in overcoming addiction. Knowing what happens after rehab and making a plan can help you avoid relapse and other roadblocks to recovery.
The Bluffs understands that the real challenges of recovery don’t begin until the security of treatment is left behind. We help our patients plan for success after rehab.
Call us today at 850.374.5331 for more information on rehab aftercare planning at The Bluffs.
What Happens After Drug Rehab?
What happens after drug rehab looks different for everyone. Some patients may have jobs and family responsibilities waiting for them, while others may have more freedom in planning out a new lifestyle.
After an inpatient program, the typical recommendation is to step down to a partial hospitalization program (PHP). PHPs usually run throughout the day, and patients return home at night.
Whether you complete a PHP or not, anyone who attends inpatient rehab should plan to participate in an outpatient rehab program as a form of aftercare. Outpatient programming provides ongoing community, accountability, and connection to the lessons learned in rehab.
You can also plan to participate in other types of recovery communities, like 12-Step groups, other recovery programs, and your rehab alumni group.
For some individuals, life may look similar to how it did before rehab, with the addition of recovery participation and healthier choices. For others, it may be necessary to significantly change many aspects of life, like who you spend time with and what you do for fun.
What Happens After Alcohol Rehab?
In many ways, what happens after alcohol rehab isn’t much different from drug rehab. You should step down to an outpatient treatment program. You should plan to maintain your recovery by making choices that support your new lifestyle, participating in a recovery group, and staying connected to your rehab’s alumni group.
Individuals who attend alcohol rehab may find themselves facing a few additional challenges as they try to maintain recovery. Alcohol is different from drugs because it is easily available, legal, and socially acceptable.
This can make it more of a challenge to cope with cravings and harder to remove alcohol from your surroundings. Being aware of this added challenge can help you plan for success after rehab.
Preparation Leads to Success
What happens after rehab is part of your individual journey, but something that holds true for everyone is that planning helps pave the way for success.
Have a plan in place for how you’ll maintain your recovery. Identify which type of recovery group you’ll join, and pencil meeting times into your schedule. Commit to showing up and participating consistently.
Stay connected to your treatment center by enrolling in an aftercare program or alumni support group. Maintaining and growing these connections can help to strengthen your recovery and give you an outlet when you’re feeling triggered, discouraged, or challenged.
Finally, plan for all the other aspects of your life. You may need to make changes in areas like:
- Where you live
- Where you work
- Who you spend time with
- What you do to relax
- Where you go for fun
When you’re in active addiction, it’s common to spend time with others who are as well. After rehab, it’s often necessary to take a comprehensive inventory of your lifestyle choices and make changes that will help you avoid relapse.
Aftercare Planning at Vertava Health – Ohio
Recovery starts at rehab, but it certainly doesn’t end there. When you know what to expect from life after rehab, you’re better able to make good choices and maintain a strong recovery.
The Bluffs helps patients plan for what comes after rehab. We encourage our patients to explore a variety of recovery programs, and we offer a thriving alumni program to help patients stay connected once treatment ends.
To learn more, call 850.374.5331 and ask about treatment and aftercare planning at The Bluffs.
