Aftercare Planning for Substance Abuse at Crestone
Because the Recovery Journey Doesn’t End When Formal Treatment Does
Contact Our Admissions Team 24/7 to Find Out More
Aftercare planning for substance abuse describes the process of developing a comprehensive plan to support your recovery after completing a primary treatment program.[1] This is a strategic approach to help you manage what happens after detox or residential/inpatient rehabilitation. The goal of aftercare planning is to provide ongoing support and resources to help you maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse.
Key components of developing an aftercare plan for substance abuse may include:[2]
Continuing care options:
This involves identifying and connecting you with appropriate continuing care options, such as outpatient counseling, support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous), and other ongoing support.
Individualized treatment plans:
Aftercare plans should be specified to your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. This may involve addressing co-occurring mental health issues, family dynamics, employment concerns, or housing stability.
Providing relapse prevention strategies:
Aftercare planning typically includes strategies for identifying triggers, coping with cravings, and developing healthy coping mechanisms to prevent the risk of relapse. This may involve teaching individuals skills for managing stress, building social support networks, and avoiding high-risk situations.
Support systems:
Aftercare plans often involve family members, friends, or other supportive individuals in the recovery process. This may include family therapy, couples counseling, or education for loved ones about addiction and recovery.
Education and skill building:
Aftercare planning may include providing individuals with education about addiction, recovery, and the skills needed to maintain sobriety. This could involve teaching practical skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
Follow-up and monitoring:
Aftercare plans typically include mechanisms for follow-up and monitoring to assess progress after completing your work at a treatment center, address any emerging issues or challenges, and adjust the plan as needed. This may involve regular check-ins with a therapist, case manager, or other addiction specialist.
How (and Why) Aftercare Programs for Addiction Work
Aftercare programs for addiction are essential links between structured treatment and returning to independent living, providing ongoing support when you need it most.[3] They offer continuity of care, helping people maintain treatment progress and enhance coping skills during the transition back into everyday life. These programs foster supportive networks of peers, counselors, and professionals, delivering personalized assistance customized to your individual needs.
Our aftercare program empowers you to navigate your recovery successfully by equipping you with proven coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques. With these tools, you can face your challenges with resilience and build a more fulfilling, substance-free life.
The Efficacy of Aftercare Programs for Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Issues
Research indicates that participation in aftercare programs is associated with higher rates of abstinence from all drugs, reduced opiate use, and lower rates of weekly drug use among individuals in recovery.[4] These programs provide crucial ongoing support and resources that contribute to sustained sobriety and overall well-being.
Moreover, studies suggest that the effectiveness of continuing care interventions is enhanced when certain factors are in place. Specifically, interventions with longer planned durations and more active efforts to deliver treatment to patients tend to yield more positive treatment outcomes.[5] By extending the duration of care and actively engaging individuals in treatment, aftercare programs can maximize their impact and support individuals in maintaining their recovery journey for the long term.
The Crestone Wellness Aftercare Program Treatment Team
Click on the links below to learn about the Aftercare staff at Crestone.
Chief Executive Officer
MD, DFAPA
Executive & Clinical Director
Psychologist
What Our Crestone Aftercare Program Alumni Are Saying
“Crestone has such a wonderful atmosphere that is not a hospital feeling. The staff is experienced, caring and dedicated to a comfortable client experience. I strongly recommend seeking help here!”
Elizabeth R.
“This facility is truly essential for the community. Their staff is extremely knowledgable, the whole facility is comfortable, and the program is the perfect length of time and care. You're going to find everything you need here to get back on your feet.”
Tyelur W.
“I cannot thank Crestone Wellness enough. Addiction had taken over my life again and I was completely hopeless, but from my very first phone call with one of the owners, to the staff admitting and taking care of me on a daily basis, to my post treatment follow up calls, I experienced nothing but authentic patience, love, and support.”
Kevin C.
a better life⚬
a better life⚬
a better life⚬
a better life⚬
a better life⚬
awaits you⚬
awaits you⚬
awaits you⚬
awaits you⚬
awaits you⚬
Crestone’s Modalities for the Aftercare Program
In aftercare for families affected by addiction, various therapeutic modalities are utilized to support sobriety and healing:
Finding Your Place in the Continuum of Care
At Crestone Wellness, we recognize the diverse paths our clients take in their journey through addiction recovery, understanding that there’s no universal formula for treatment success.
Upon admission, each prospective client undergoes a thorough pre-assessment conducted by our admissions team. This evaluation considers various factors, including medical history, substance use patterns, mental health status, and available social support.
Based on this assessment and in accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria, we collaborate with you to determine the most suitable level of care.[6] Our aim is to match you with the support and structure that best meets your unique needs.
Throughout your treatment, our multidisciplinary team crafts personalized plans tailored to your specific goals and challenges. This approach addresses your physical, emotional, and social well-being, ensuring holistic care.
As you make progress and achieve milestones in your recovery journey, we regularly reassess your needs and readiness for transitioning to the next phase of care. This transition is carefully planned to maintain continuity of support and care, facilitating your ongoing success in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aftercare Programs for Substance Abuse
Do aftercare programs involve family members or loved ones?
Aftercare programs often involve family members or loved ones. Family therapy sessions, education, and support groups may be offered to help improve family dynamics, communication, and understanding of addiction, ultimately supporting the individual’s recovery process.
Can aftercare programs help with co-occurring mental health disorders?
Yes, many addiction aftercare plans are equipped to address co-occurring mental health disorders alongside substance abuse issues. They may offer integrated treatment approaches or collaborate with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care for individuals with dual diagnoses.
How do I know if an aftercare program is right for me?
Choosing the right aftercare program and rehab aftercare plan involves considering factors such as the level of support needed, the types of services offered, and compatibility with personal preferences and goals. It’s essential to assess the program’s approach and track record and whether it aligns with your recovery needs and values. Consulting with treatment professionals and attending informational sessions can help determine if a program is suitable for you.
References
[1] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2020). Chapter 5—Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64815/ on May 30, 2024
[2] CITESEERX. CiteSeerX. (n.d.). https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=dad69b88455c1c7d278e3686dc545475acce17a1 on May 30, 2024
[3] Passetti, L. L., Godley, M. D., & Kaminer, Y. (2016). Continuing care for adolescents in treatment for substance use disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 25(4), 669–684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2016.06.003 on May 30, 2024
[4] McKay, J. R. (2021). Impact of Continuing Care on Recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.35946/arcr.v41.1.01 on May 30, 2024
[5] McKay, J. R. (2009). Continuing care research: What we have learned and where we are going. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2008.10.004 on May 30, 2024
[6] American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2022). About the ASAM Criteria. American Society of Addiction Medicine. https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria on May 30, 2024
