Aftercare Programs: How To Find the Right Fit

Programs that take place after treatment are vital to recovery success. Sometimes, finding the right program for you can seem difficult or feel overwhelming, especially in the midst of your anxiety over treatment ending. Never fear, as there are many aftercare programs for you to choose from! Your job is to find what will fit you best. 

Sober Living Homes

A sober living home is a safe place to live after treatment that is substance-free and has high expectations for its community members. Residing in a sober living home typically involves:

• Time constraints. Sober living homes are meant to be temporary and can last anywhere from two weeks to one year, depending on the capacity of the building and other factors. 
• Monetary commitments. Depending on where the sober living home is located and what benefits or programs are available to you, there may be a monetary commitment like rent or regular payments to stay in a sober living situation. 
• Structured expectations. All sober living homes have rules, varying chores or community work lists, and expectations for your stay. Some sober living facilities require you to have a job, some require that you share a room with a roommate, and some have curfews and wake-up times. 
• No substance use. Sober living homes are dry houses. If there is any substance use or paraphernalia, the person possessing it will be asked to leave the sober living house for the safety of the other clients. 

Facility Programs for Alumni

Facility programs vary based on the facility in question. You may choose the same facility where you sought treatment or a different facility that is local to you. Facility programs typically include: 

• Timed programs. This may mean that you meet once per week or multiple times per week. Make sure that your schedule with work and transportation accurately reflects your ability to attend facility programs. 
• Monetary commitments. Depending on your program of choice, the level of intensity, and the facility, there could be a financial commitment. Some facilities offer free programs, but most have at least a cover fee or an annual fee. 
• Transportation commitments. You’ll have to travel in some way to your program, so make sure that the facility you choose is convenient for you. If you need public transportation or a ride to your aftercare program, map your journey ahead of time so that you feel secure on your first day.

Therapy for Addiction or Trauma

Therapy is a great way to support yourself in aftercare and can be coupled with other programs or commitments. Therapy typically includes:

• Scheduled appointments. You and your therapist will decide your therapy meeting times. You may want to meet once a week or a few times a week. Some therapy arrangements allow for you to call when you feel you need some extra support. As you set up your therapy meetings, make sure they work in your schedule. 
• Financial considerations. Therapy can be costly. Check with your insurance provider to find out what therapy will cost you. 
• Getting to and from sessions. Having transportation to your therapy appointment is important. Make sure that you have arranged for transportation before your first therapy session. 
• Choice of therapies. The type of therapy you do is totally customizable and up to you. If you have a specific mental health concern, information provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help pinpoint what therapy may be best for you. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also provides a list of common therapeutic practices for addiction.

Support Groups

Common support groups like 12-Step groups, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or religious groups may be right for you. SMART Recovery also offers meetings and support for people in recovery. Support groups typically include:

• Meeting times. If you’re attending meetings, make sure you are getting there at least once a week. 
• Transportation. Most support groups require you to figure out how to get there on your own. 

How To Pick What’s Best for You

Imagine that your aftercare options are on a menu in front of you. What looks best to you? What works with your schedule? Is there a timeline, or can you use this aftercare for as long as you like? Is price a factor? How do you see this aftercare fitting into your life?  

As you answer these questions and decide what’s best for you, talk with your family, sponsor, and treatment center for advice. 

Picking what aftercare is best for you can be a more straightforward process than you might think. After going through treatment, you have a better idea of your needs, goals, aspirations, and worth. You’re worth staying sober, and you’re certainly worth helping. If you are in the process of finding or selecting aftercare services, look no further than RECO Intensive. At RECO Intensive, we understand that aftercare is just as important to your RECOvery as treatment. Our professional staff and experienced alumni can talk you through your options and help you come up with a plan that is personalized to you. We offer many forms of therapy and aftercare, including sober living housing, our alumni group, and our renowned adventure therapy. At RECO Intensive, we want to help you with your aftercare, keeping your safety and future in mind. Your RECOvery is important, so call us today at (561) 464-6533. Let’s get back to a brighter future.