When you or a loved one struggles with a substance abuse disorder, alcoholism, or addiction, it can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and emotional, which is why you may need to find aftercare programs. Substance abuse disorders can destroy relationships, cause financial issues, and lead to instability. You can direct most of your money and savings to acquire drugs and alcohol, which can lead to significant debt, back bills, and housing issues.
Addiction changes your brain chemistry, impairs your judgment and reasoning, and can worsen underlying mental health and medical conditions. Unfortunately, the recovery process takes time because of the severity of issues addiction causes. That is why it’s important to connect with a treatment center when you decide to begin the recovery process. Discharge planning begins the day you start treatment, which helps ensure you connect with an aftercare program that promotes and strengthens your recovery.
Aftercare for Addiction
Substance abuse disorders are progressive, chronic conditions. Addiction causes you to compulsively abuse drugs and/or alcohol despite wanting to stop or experiencing negative consequences as a result of your use. Drugs and alcohol are also neurotransmitter inhibitors, which cause your brain to release more neurotransmitters than it normally would. The rush of neurotransmitters that occurs when you use drugs or alcohol is responsible for the pleasurable effects of intoxication.
Your brain then associates that substance with pleasure, which ultimately changes your brain’s pleasure and reward center. Anytime you use your substance of choice, your brain releases excessive amounts of neurotransmitters. Unfortunately, your brain withholds neurotransmitters when you don’t use and causes you to experience intense cravings. Once you become physically or psychologically addicted to a substance, your brain is dependent on your substance of choice to release neurotransmitters.
When you don’t use, you can deal with intense and severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using are one of the most common signs of addiction and can also include:
- Increasing your use to experience the same positive effects
- Needing to use first thing in the morning
- Using drugs and alcohol to feel normal
- Abusing drugs or alcohol alone
- Concealing your drug or alcohol use
Cravings can continue even after you successfully detox, making aftercare for addiction treatment important so you have support throughout recovery.
Treatment Options for Aftercare Programs
When you decide to seek help for a substance abuse problem, you have several treatment options. The most common treatments include:
- Residential addiction treatment in Texas
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Alumni programs in Texas
- Sober living houses
Residential treatment is the highest level of care and is best if you have a serious addiction or multiple treatment attempts. Residential programs typically last for 28 days, but many treatment centers also offer long-term residential programs. When completing a residential program, your treatment team ensures that you receive substance abuse aftercare information. They can even connect you with an aftercare program.
Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs can serve as a substance abuse aftercare program following residential care or can be the first step in your recovery journey. Outpatient programs can meet every day of the week or for several days weekly. The time commitment varies but typically allows you to continue or return to work or school.
Recovery and Aftercare Programs
Everyone who completes treatment at The Right Step alcohol and drug rehab center in Texas is eligible for our two-year aftercare programs. Led by licensed clinicians, our weekly aftercare groups provide support, counseling, and access to addiction recovery resources and referrals.
In addition to having the support and guidance of addiction professionals, you’ll stay connected to others who are active in their recovery and share similar struggles and successes. A network of like-minded peers is a key component of long-term recovery.
If you are ready to take the first step in the recovery process and reach out for help for a substance abuse problem, contact us today at 17135283709 to learn more about our aftercare for addiction treatment.
Contact our Texas center today for more information on our treatment programs.