When you leave a residential or outpatient addiction treatment program, it is important to establish an effective aftercare plan that helps you maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse.

Aftercare plans are unique programs developed for each person in order to provide ongoing support. These plans include evidence-based practices and a range of services designed to help you maintain motivation to stay sober.

Transitioning Out of Treatment

Transitioning out of residential treatment can be a daunting experience. During treatment, you are protected from triggers and temptations, you get to enjoy an orderly, regimented schedule that lets you focus on your recovery, and you have access to supportive people who can help you stay sober.

While some people face this transition with an "Okay, I've got this now" attitude, others are more unsure about what to expect and how to handle it. The good news is that there are ways to overcome these challenges, with the right support and tools in place.

Using a socio-ecological model, this study explored the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy barriers and facilitators that may hinder or facilitate the transition from long-term residential substance abuse treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 individuals anticipating discharge from residential treatment.

Getting Mental Health Under Control

Getting mental health under control means being able to cope with life’s problems and challenges in healthy ways. Strong mental health isn’t just about having no issues; it’s about having positive traits such as a zest for living and a sense of purpose in your relationships.

The way you think, feel and behave is a reflection of your mental health. This is why it’s so important to take care of your mental health.

Some mental illnesses require medication to help manage symptoms. These medications include antidepressants, stimulants and antipsychotics.

A good therapist can help you get started. During therapy, you can discuss what’s going on in your life, work through difficult feelings and learn how to better communicate with others.

During treatment, you will often hear the phrase “aftercare planning.” This is an important part of your recovery journey and should be well thought out. Your therapist will help you with this process as your needs and goals change throughout your recovery.

Continuing Therapy

Continuing therapy is a great way for patients to keep their recovery on track. A variety of options are available to help, from 12-step mutual support groups like AA to relapse prevention services.

For mental health professionals, continuing education is a must to maintain licenses and stay on the cutting edge of their field. It might be something as simple as an hour-long webinar or something more involved like an online course with a certificate of completion.

Most states require at least some form of CE for a certain number of hours before you can renew your license. While some states have a cap on the number of credits that can be earned in a given year, others allow you to go nuts as long as it’s approved by the board of licensure. For example, in the state of Georgia, licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists must complete 35 credit hours of continuing education each even-numbered year to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in their fields.

Getting Support

When a person is in treatment, they are often told to get support from family members and friends. This can be difficult for many people, but it is important to remember that support is available and you should seek it when needed.

When creating an aftercare plan, therapists and other trained counselors will help a person consider their specific needs. These may include addressing housing, employment and continued treatment.

They can also help find resources in the community and online that will address these areas. The length of the plan will vary depending on what a person needs and how long they are in treatment.

Having the right tools to deal with stressful situations is vital, and your aftercare plan can remind you of these when they arise. Attending meetings and forming a strong support network are also crucial to successful recovery.