Aftercare Program in Washington State

Aftercare plays a crucial role in the treatment and recovery process for individuals struggling with addiction. It involves a range of supportive services and resources designed to help individuals maintain their sobriety and successfully transition back into their daily lives. Throughout the country, including in the state of Washington, aftercare programs are available to support individuals in their journey toward long-term recovery.

At Free by the Sea, we understand the importance of aftercare as it pertains to the lifelong sobriety journey. That’s why we offer aftercare services as part of our treatment and recovery programs. We want to be with you every step of the way on your road to recovery, and that includes after you have finished treatment at our facility and started your new, sober life.

What Is Aftercare?

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management and treatment. Even after completing an initial treatment program, individuals need continued support to maintain their sobriety.

This is where aftercare comes in.

Aftercare is an ongoing sobriety program that is designed for those who have already completed addiction treatment, whether that be through an inpatient program, outpatient program, or partial hospitalization program. The goal of aftercare is to help individuals develop the necessary skills, strategies, and support systems to prevent relapse and successfully reintegrate into their daily lives.

While just like treatment, everyone’s aftercare plan also varies, most aftercare plans involve:

• Attending 12-step meetings
• Continuing to go to individual and group therapy
• Participating in the treatment center’s alumni program
• A stay in a sober living facility

How Do I Create an Aftercare Plan?

Creating, and sticking to an aftercare plan early on in the recovery process can greatly decrease the risk of a relapse as you go through the process of navigating your new, sober life.

Like most treatment plans, aftercare plans are also custom-made to fit both you and your needs. Aftercare plans are often put together by sitting down with your treatment team upon successful completion of your addiction treatment program.

When putting together a treatment plan, your treatment team will take into account a variety of factors such as:

• If you will need housing
• Your employment status
• How far along you are in your recovery
• Your physical and mental health needs
• If you have any co-occurring disorders that still need to be addressed
• The type of support system you have
• Legal issues
• Your personal preferences when it comes to ongoing treatment

Much like the plan itself, the length of your aftercare plan will vary as well. Aftercare programs can be anywhere from a few weeks long to a few years depending on many of the factors listed above.

Types of Aftercare Programs

As we touched on, aftercare programs are not “one-size-fits-all” programs. There are a number of different aftercare programs to choose from. Some programs may even be combined to create an all-encompassing aftercare recovery program.

What Happens If I Need Somewhere To Live During Aftercare?

Unfortunately, not everyone has a home to return to once they have completed their time in treatment. Some people have lost their homes as a result of their addiction and have nowhere to go. Others may have a home but for one reason or another, it is not a safe or supportive space for them to return to as a newly sober person.

Regardless of the reason, sober living homes are a great option for those needing somewhere to stay as they make the transition from treatment back into the real world.

Sober living homes provide a safe and drug-free living environment where individuals can practice the skills they learned in treatment, build a support network, and gradually transition back into independent living. While living at the sober home, residents are required to follow all house rules at all times including, but not limited to:

• Completing required chores
• Abiding by any curfews
• Finding and maintaining a job
• Actively work on their recovery

If you are in need of sober living, our team at Free by the Sea will help make the transition as smooth as possible. We will work with both you and the staff at the sober living facility of your choosing to ensure that the transition process is as easy as possible.

How Do I Find an Aftercare Program?

If you have successfully completed addiction treatment and are ready to get started with an aftercare program, there are many different options available.

My Loved One Is in Recovery, How Can I Help During Aftercare?

Friends, family members, and loved ones play a key role in the recovery process. In addition to the connections made at support group meetings, family members and loved ones often make up the core of a person’s support system while in recovery.

If you have a family member or loved one who is in recovery and you are looking for ways to help them, below are some things that you can do:

• Educate Yourself – Learn about addiction, recovery, and the challenges your loved one may face. Understanding the nature of addiction and the recovery process can help you provide the best support possible.
• Communicate – Open and honest communication is an important part of the recovery process. Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts, struggles, and successes and actively listen to what they have to say.
• Establish Boundaries – Set clear boundaries to protect your own well-being and to support your loved one’s recovery. Boundaries help maintain a healthy and balanced relationship while reinforcing the importance of sobriety.
• Encourage Participation: Encourage your loved one to actively engage in aftercare activities, such as attending support group meetings, counseling sessions, and educational programs.

Free by the Sea Offers Aftercare Programs

At Free by the Sea, we understand that aftercare is just as important to the overall recovery process as detox and treatment are. That’s why, in addition to our detox and various drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs, we also offer aftercare and alumni programs and services.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction or is in recovery and looking to either start or continue their aftercare treatment, contact us today.