For those who have completed an outpatient program, or intensive outpatient treatment program, additional resources and guidance are available to you to prevent relapse and continue on your journey to sobriety. While completing outpatient addiction treatment is an accomplishment that you should be proud of, addiction requires a lifelong commitment to recovery. Now, it is time to take advantage of additional resources and support to help you stay strong on the road to recovery. Preventing relapse after treatment is possible, with the proper tools.
Aftercare Addiction Treatment Programs
Aftercare programs can help you find the support you need to maintain sobriety even after completing residential treatment programs or outpatient treatment. Returning to daily life is not as simple as it may seem after completing an addiction treatment program where support is built-in and tailored toward your recovery. Thankfully there are plenty of resources available for long-term sobriety.
Outpatient Treatment Programs with Transitional Living Accommodations
For those who are in or nearing completion of outpatient care yet need additional support and accountability before returning home, transitional living is an option. For many, returning home can be a challenge depending on family members and support systems that may or may not be available. It is important to have a safe space to continue your healing journey!
Transitional Living Accommodations were created to provide structure and support for patients who would benefit from support groups and a sober environment for continued healing. These spaces can give you the time you need to find an alternative living situation after completion of a program.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and 12- Step Programs
A 12-step recovery program like AA or Narcotics Anonymous can be a great resource if you are recovering from drug abuse or other substance abuse. These programs provide empowerment and healing for those seeking a stronger sense of community in their everyday life. It is free to join with a promise of anonymity throughout the program.
Additional groups similar to AA exist and can be found at various treatment centers. Our addiction specialists at Harmony Outpatient can provide information to help you consider which support groups could be most beneficial to you.
Preventing Relapse After Treatment Through an Outpatient Program
Most outpatient programs provide education on how to prevent relapse. 3 helpful techniques to aid in the recovery process are as follows:
- HALT: Halt stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. Recognizing when you are experiencing one of these “risk stages” and addressing them as soon as possible will help you combat triggers and cravings before they appear.
- Grounding Techniques and Deep Breathing: Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help bring you back to the present moment when triggering memories or anxiety arise. Deep breathing, cold showers, or squeezing a lemon or orange and allowing the citrus smell to bring you back to the present moment can help. One of the most common grounding techniques for relapse prevention is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique which awakens and engages all 5 senses and brings awareness to what is happening around you.
- Creating an Emergency Contact List: There will be days when the temptation to slip back into old habits will be strong. You can create an emergency contact list, which may include a counselor from a rehab program (inpatient treatment center OR outpatient treatment center), an AA sponsor, or trusted friends who you can call if you get close to relapsing.
The Road to Lasting Recovery With Help From Your Outpatient Recovery Center
Lifelong recovery requires the help of a community, trusted friends, addiction specialists, and therapists. Harmony Outpatient provides continual resources and support for individuals who’ve gone through one of the outpatient or intensive outpatient programs. Their addiction treatment specialists work tirelessly to answer calls and provide support, especially on the most challenging days.
Each day will be full of its unique joys and challenges. Be proud of your accomplishments thus far and don’t be afraid to reach out today to learn more about our outpatient program, intensive outpatient programs, or aftercare and relapse prevention resources.
