Once the person is out of rehabilitation, it is important that regular checkups are maintained alongside therapy sessions. It can be summed up in three points:

• To maintain the recovery process of substance abuse
• To ensure relapse does not occur
• To life a purpose life that is rewarding

The aftercare process is more about finding what works for the individual and helping them maintain it. The transition from treatment to self sufficiency and independence will be monitored at regular intervals to ensure no relapse occurs. A strong system is put into place to avoid creating trigger situations and most importantly the willpower to resist and fight urges has to be reinforced. Aftercare is vital in case the patient does have a relapse, immediate action can be taken and new plan can be drawn up. This allows for a swift treatment plan to be drawn up and executed effortlessly.

A finely tuned inpatient rehab program will provide a set of aftercare requirements and goals for each patient. Long term monitoring will be necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Group therapy sessions are the perfect safe space to talk to other people who have been through the entire process and can shed light on how to deal with everyday life after rehab.

A strong supportive family is the cornerstone upon which a patient can build his new foundation. Constant suppose and positivity will be needed in order to help push the individual towards a normal life in the future. Good influencers are needed on a daily basis to help guide the person towards a normal life. Another part of the after care program is forgiveness. What is past is past but the present and future can be different. Acceptance and forgiveness plays a major role in the normalization of their lives.

Some of the other After Care plans are:

• Relapse Prevention Strategy: Towards the end of the initial treatment, based on the patient’s response and progress, a plan is drawn up to help the recovering patient not have another relapse once out of rehab.
• Consistent Participation in Addiction Support Groups: Constant meetings with support groups can provide a lot of relief for the individual as well as a safe space in which to talk freely about their struggle.
• Regularly Scheduled Counselor Meetings: A one on one with a specialist is always recommended. Understanding the patient’s every need and talking to them about stress, anger and depression can help them overcome the urge to have a relapse.
• Controlled Living Environments: The environment plays a major role in how the individual recovers. An unfavourable environment can often help trigger a relapse instead of stopping it. Controlled living spaces are ideal for these situations.
• Monitoring: Last and probably the most essential aspect is monitoring, An abnormalities if caught early can be treated and help prevent a major relapse or mood swings.