Aftercare Support Group
Taking the first step towards treatment for an addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a monumental step but there is more work to do. Addiction treatment is not a process that ends after detoxification (detox) or a residential rehabilitation program. Taking measures to live a drug free lifestyle is a long-term commitment. This process can include a wide variety of treatment options and supports. As part of the continuum of recovery, addiction aftercare is an important part of overall recovery.
With relapse rates for drug addiction around 40-60 percent, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports, aftercare services beyond a substance abuse treatment program are important. Aftercare services can help to reduce these rates or lessen the severity and duration of relapse.
A relapse is when someone starts using drugs or drinking alcohol again after they were sober for a period of time, often after participating in a treatment program or detox. It is imperative to stay in some form of aftercare support for long enough to learn how to manage drug cravings and how to properly take on potential triggers in everyday life without turning to drugs or alcohol for relief. Addiction treatment helps people to learn new and healthy ways to handle life’s ups and downs, and how to regulate emotions and deal with stress. These behavioral adaptations and new ways of thinking or acting take some time to become habit, and that’s why support beyond treatment is so important.
Aftercare support groups can be highly beneficial in maintaining long term recovery as they can provide individuals with a strong network of similar individuals all striving for the same ultimate goal of sustained abstinence. These aftercare support groups are made up of individuals who are going through or have gone through the same type of experiences and can therefore relate to and help each other on a deeper level than perhaps even a family member, therapist, or counselor. Aftercare support groups give people who are overcoming addictions the ongoing encouragement and support needed to help them continue to recover and stay sober long term.
The goals of addiction aftercare support groups are to help individuals:
- maintain recovery from substance abuse
- find ways to prevent relapse
- achieve a life filled with rewarding relationships and a sense of purpose
CenterPointe Hospital’s aftercare groups provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain a life of recovery. Aftercare services are available to patients who have completed a component of care at CenterPointe, which include: detox, residential treatment and/or outpatient treatment. Aftercare groups are offered weekly at CenterPointe Hospital and at our CenterPointe St. Peters Outpatient Clinic. There is no charge to attend the Aftercare Groups, patients may attend Aftercare Groups for life and no RSVP is required.
Download the Aftercare Group flyer HERE.
