Addiction Aftercare in Alamo, TX

Addiction is a chronic condition that a person will likely always need some type of support for. However, a common misconception after a person completes a drug detox program is that they don't need any further addiction aftercare programs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most individuals need at least three months of treatment and longer to experience the best outcomes from their recovery. Because drug addiction is a long-term health concern, just as high blood pressure or obesity can be, a person should seek addiction aftercare in Alamo, TX.

While drug detox in Alamo is an important milestone in a person's sobriety, the keys to long-term sobriety are pursuing addiction aftercare programs that keep a person focused on their sobriety. These programs can also help a person rebuild their life, from finding a sober living facility to building job skills and securing job placement. Sometimes addiction aftercare programs are an extension of a person's inpatient treatment while in other instances, a person should remain sober for some time before pursuing addiction aftercare options.

What Types of Programs Does It Involve?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are five key factors to successful treatment. These include:

Detoxification so a person can rid their body of the physical effects of the drug.
Behavioral counseling
Medication management when possible, such as to manage the withdrawal effects of tobacco, opioids, or alcohol.
Evaluating and treating mental health disorders that could affect a person's addiction status, such as depression.
Using long-term treatment to avoid relapses.

Of these key steps for successful addiction, the last four are all a part of addiction aftercare in Alamo. For example, addiction aftercare programs can include those that provide counseling, either for an individual, in a group, or to families. These counseling sessions are helpful because they help a person navigate the unique challenges that may arise after they have become sober. This could include issues such as seeing old friends a person used to do drugs with or how to deal with strong cravings after stressful episodes.

Why Should I Enter an Aftercare Program for Addiction?

Addiction aftercare programs can offer many advantages to a person who has become sober and wishes to stay sober. For example, a person can receive treatments for their dual diagnosis in Alamo, which is a condition where a person has a mental illness and suffers from substance abuse. Treatment for mental illness often requires continued treatments, such as taking medications regularly to help balance neurotransmitters in the brain. Dual diagnosis in Alamo Counseling can also help a person navigate both the temptations to return to drug abuse as well as the emotions they are feeling related to treatments for mental illness. Other benefits of entering addiction aftercare in Alamo include:

Developing job skills: Addiction aftercare programs can refer a person to job skill-building programs that will help them learn new skills or trades of interest that can help a person find a new job. Having a job allows a person to feel like a contributing member of society and make new connections that don't remind them of their drug abuse.

Addressing addiction triggers: There will always be new temptations and surprises that a person may not have initially anticipated after they sought addiction treatment. Addiction aftercare programs provide a resource where a person can continue to navigate these challenges.

Developing positive coping mechanisms: Formerly, when a person addicted to drugs experienced stress, they often turned to drugs or alcohol to relieve this stress. This is an example of a negative coping mechanism. However, addiction aftercare in Alamo can help a person focus on and learn positive coping mechanisms. Examples include restorative yoga, art therapy, or music therapy. All of these approaches can teach a person relaxation and stress-relieving techniques.

Building a stronger network of like-minded individuals: Participation in group therapy aftercare programs can help a person meet other people trying to remain sober. Examples of these programs include 12-step ones, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs are especially beneficial in treating those formerly addicted to alcohol, opiates, and stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine.

These and other benefits to addiction aftercare programs can help a person stay sober for a lifetime. By pursuing those that most appeal to them, a person who has achieved physical sobriety can learn more about the mental aspects of sobriety that can help a person remain healthy whenever possible. Call us now for help (877) 804-1531.