Aftercare Plans

What is an aftercare plan?

When a patient is discharged from drug or alcohol addiction treatment, a fully developed aftercare plan should accompany the patient. An aftercare plan is a clearly delineated prescription that if followed, greatly improves the addict’s ability to remain clean and sober.

The plan, according to best practices, provides a patient with a support structure and resources to deal with the stressors of daily living. Aftercare plans can include:

Individualized therapy
Family counseling
Step meetings
Addiction aftercare groups
Physical rehabilitation
Work or school
Vocational rehabilitation
Psychiatric care
Sober living houses
Medication management

Aftercare plans should always be developed with the patient’s involvement, thus making the plan unique and targeted to that patient’s needs. This improves the likelihood that the patient will have the resources and desire to follow through. Aftercare should address every aspect of an individual’s life so that when issues arise, the patient will have the support and guidance to handle the stressors without turning to drugs or alcohol.

The longer an individual in early recover stays connected, utilizes the tools learned in treatment or his or her support group, aftercare therapies and 12 Step meetings, the stronger his or her recovery grows. An aftercare plan can help build healthy routines that support on going sobriety.