Completing a rehabilitation program for alcohol or drug addiction is a big achievement that can’t be underestimated. Your journey, however, isn’t over after rehab. A lot of people who have taken the path you took have relapsed into substance abuse along the way.

Aftercare is a complementary or follow-up treatment for substance dependents after they complete an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program. It can make a difference in how well you avoid the pitfalls of relapse. It is usually built into any comprehensive rehab program, but you can also see an independent counselor or therapist near your home for aftercare.

Breaking the Enemy of Addiction

Currently, addiction experts recognize relapse as a major indicator of addiction. It is a powerful foe that you must not miscalculate. If you wish to break your addiction to a substance, know that “drug and alcohol rehab statistics show that the percentage of people who will relapse after a period of recovery ranges from 50% to 90%.” Though the statistic is disturbing, there are ways and options to increase your chance of continued sobriety. One way is to commit to a good-quality aftercare program.

Relapse doesn’t mean that the treatment you received during rehab has failed. Addiction is considered a chronic disorder that can recur even after recovery or remission. While relapse is common, it is avoidable. Recognizing the risk factors and avoiding the triggers that can contribute to your relapse is vital. Adhering to your drug relapse prevention program is essential. And finally, committing to quality aftercare near your home to sustain your effort is critical.

How Aftercare Can Help

Why is aftercare important in breaking addiction? Relapse is most likely to happen without proper intervention. Aftercare “refers to any subsequent interventions that follow the initial treatment. In the case of addiction treatment, it will often refer to the additional support that is given following release from the residential part of the program.” There are many approaches being utilized in aftercare. One of the most effective strategies is counseling.

A number of studies and surveys reveal that substance abusers or dependents are less likely to relapse if they can get professional support after rehab. This is because aftercare, particularly counseling, can sustain your motivation to stay clean or sober. The program usually offers skills, knowledge, and tools that help in overcoming addiction. You can also get support from your counselor when the going gets tough. Journeying along the path of recovery can be lonely. Having someone knowledgeable to support you is a blessing when struggling with addiction, for both you and your family.

Defeating the Complications with Counseling

Breaking addiction can be more challenging when there are complications, such as dual diagnosis. This means that your addiction is co-occurring with an emotional condition, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, so that the pull to relapse is even stronger. In these cases, the underlying condition has to be treated to make the treatment of addiction possible.

Another complication of addiction that you may experience is relationship issues. While you are struggling with the symptoms of addiction and the risk of relapse, your family may experience tension and helplessness because of your addiction. Since they can be your first line of support and defense against relapse, enlisting their support alongside that of your counselor is critical.

The co-occurrence of addiction and emotional conditions can create a lot of complications in a family. It may lead to problems with money and other health problems. You and your family may need to be educated about the risks faced by the other members, especially the children, in the vicious cycle of addiction. Developing a strong support system for the recovering member can be difficult when there are also children to care for. This is why in breaking addiction, “creating a healthy home environment for all members of the household is one of the crucial objectives of family aftercare,” says Dual Diagnosis.

Sustaining Gains and Staying Motivated with Counseling

With the high percentage of people who relapse, it is widely held that it is almost a normal or integral part of addiction recovery. Despite the odds, “addiction need not be a life sentence” or a lifetime burden for you and your loved ones. Modifying your behavior, perceptions, and lifestyle is crucial in minimizing the chance of relapse; you can survive the challenges better with help and healing support from an experienced, independent therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC.

Though it is true that there is probability of relapse, it isn’t inevitable. You can escape it even on your first effort. Protect your gains made during rehab by embracing an aftercare focus with a therapist. If you are from North Carolina, an independent counselor contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC, could be your expert and supportive companion in this journey. Call us. Let’s talk about how we can work together to break your addiction and manage your other complicating issues.

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