By Anna McKenzie
Picture yourself on the heels of completing an addiction treatment program. Your willingness to participate, the important help you’ve received along the way, and your hard work in seeing it through have all led to a healthier you. Now what?
The hallmark of any quality treatment program is not just getting you healthy and well, but making provisions to help you stay healthy and well. A solid rehab aftercare plan can give you support to maintain the momentum of your new recovery lifestyle. But why is it so important to invest in aftercare? And what are your rehab aftercare options? The answers to these questions can be key to achieving long-term stability in your recovery.
The hallmark of any quality treatment program is not just getting you healthy and well, but making provisions to help you stay healthy and well.
Why Do You Need a Rehab Aftercare Plan?
Engaging in a quality rehab aftercare plan will not only help you stay focused, but it will give you additional guidance and structure that can help you transition back into the rhythm of day-to-day life. It can also be a great way to meet others who have the same commitment to sobriety. It’s important to be around others who know what you’re going through and can encourage you along the way.
As you adjust back to life outside of treatment, you’ll have an opportunity to respond to personal, relational, and work-related challenges in new ways. Instead of coping with unhealthy habits, you’ll be implementing the healthy coping skills you’ve learned. You may have questions, and you’ll certainly face triggers. But by staying connected through an aftercare program, you are maximizing your potential to remain healthy, sober, and relapse-free when difficulties arise.
Aftercare Support Options at The Meadows
At The Meadows, we are committed to not just helping you navigate treatment but recovery as well. We understand that addiction recovery is a lifelong process that is best managed when you’re engaged in community with others. We also realize that everyone’s aftercare needs are different, so we provide two different ways to find the support and accountability that’s right for you.
1. MBH Onward
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare’s Alumni Association, known as MBH Onward, provides ongoing resources, accountability, and community to all MBH alumni. This helpful (free!) program empowers you to continue the invaluable work you began during treatment. MBH Onward is a safe place where you can come as your authentic self and get the support you need from a caring team, including:
- Weekly Support Groups
These offer you the chance to connect with other alumni virtually each week for interactive recovery sessions, specialty topics, 12-Step meetings, and our popular Recovery Enhancement Groups.
- Special Events
Held across the country, our alumni events provide recovery-related engagement and inspiration through trusted local expertise and hands-on creativity, often at no cost to you.
- MBH Onward Mobile App
Our alumni app gives you 24-7 access to supportive community, connection, and resources for your ongoing recovery journey from the comforts of home.
2. Meadows Case Management
Meadows Case Management provides a crucial bridge between completing treatment and returning home, protecting the progress (and investment) you’ve made in your recovery. With the goal of making your transition as smooth as possible, your Meadows case manager can give customizable 24-7 support to you and your family in a variety of forms and at a variety of price points.
Additional Aftercare Options
Whether it’s drug rehab aftercare, alcohol rehab aftercare, or aftercare for a mental health or co-occurring condition, finding something that works best for your individual needs is most important. In addition to the programs listed above, there are other aftercare options that can help you along your specific journey, including:
- Sober Living Homes
As a temporary step-down residence for those recovering from addiction, these facilities provide programmed accountability and community to help you maintain sobriety as you prepare to return home. We work with anyone in our treatment programs to help them find an appropriate sober living option, if that’s what is deemed the best next step.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
These aftercare programs equip you to successfully return to work and improve your likelihood of steady employment upon completing your recovery program.
- Alternative Treatments
Exercise programs, meditation, and art or music therapy can provide helpful interventions for addiction recovery when paired with other aftercare options like support groups and case management. Again, we work with you to make sure the hand-off from a higher level of treatment is as seamless as possible.
Whether it’s drug rehab aftercare, alcohol rehab aftercare, or aftercare for another type of condition, finding something that works best for your individual needs is most important.
Addiction Recovery Starts at The Meadows
You can live a fulfilling life, free from addiction. Rehab provides the training you need to cope with the challenges of life in healthy ways, and aftercare gives you the stability and connection to help you implement your training on a daily basis once treatment ends. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or a mental health condition, we can help. Contact us today to begin your journey toward recovery at The Meadows.