Orlando Addiction Aftercare Programs

Orlando addiction aftercare programs consist of continuing therapy, support and strategizing to provide individuals with a variety of tools to maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse. Research on addiction shows that relapses are common in those struggling with addiction. Addiction aftercare gives patients strategies for managing their addiction after treatment has been completed.

What Aftercare is Designed to Do

Completing a treatment program is a major accomplishment, but the real work of overcoming addiction begins when the patient returns to his or her normal life. Aftercare helps to transition the patient from the protected environment of the treatment program to the broader range of experiences in life. It is designed to continue the self-examination and counseling that has been an integral part of the treatment process, along with connection to a community of others who are also struggling with addiction. These measures create an invaluable support for the continuation of treatment and recovery.

Types of Programs for Aftercare

• Relapse prevention - A concentrated program of anticipating potential relapse occasions can provide effective tools for prevention in advance of the event.
• Family therapy - Addiction affects not only the individual, but also the whole family structure. Family therapy as part of the aftercare program can ensure that loved ones are alert to the signs of an imminent relapse and how to encourage the individual to seek help before the relapse occurs.
• Mental health disorder - Co-occurring mental health disorders are common in addiction. Ensuring that the patient has appropriate mental health treatment after completing an addiction treatment program can help to reduce the risk of relapse.
• Employment skills - Returning to normal life can be difficult for individuals struggling with addiction. Receiving appropriate employment skills training can help them to return to working life with less stress and with less risk for relapse.
• Dealing with addiction triggers - Education in understanding addiction triggers that can cause relapse will help patients to recognize these triggers and reach out for help to prevent relapse.
• Sober living - Sober living facilities are living environments that can serve as a bridge for people who are working on maintaining sobriety after treatment.
• Lifelong commitment to support group meetings - Groups such as AA or NA are an important tool for maintaining sobriety after a treatment program is over. Patients should be provided with resources for finding meetings within their area so that they can use this resource on a regular basis.
• Ongoing Counseling - In many cases, ongoing counseling is necessary for patients who are dealing with personal issues that can be risks for relapse.

For a healthier future, call centers for drug detox in Orlando, or visit your local Narcotics Anonymous (http://naflorida.org/meetings/) for more support.