Sameem Behavioral Health - Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment in  Massachusetts

Addiction Aftercare

Addiction Aftercare Programs in Massachusetts

Alcohol & Drug Rehab Treatment: Massachusetts Addiction Treatment Center Near Me [Massachusetts Rehab Treatment]

Aftercare in Addiction Recovery

At Sameem, we offer customized treatments and aftercare programs to meet the unique needs of each individual.  For some, aftercare following residential treatment may mean an Individual Outpatient Program (IOP) initially before step-down schedules into our Healthy Living program.



Drug and alcohol treatment programs help individuals manage their addiction to drugs and alcohol. After completing residential programs or an Intensive Outpatient Program, patients enter the aftercare phase, which is a collective plan to support individuals during their early and long term recovery.  We refer to this phase as Healthy Living. While an individual works on building and maintaining a healthy living lifestyle many of the tools and supports they will have access to help to prevent relapses.


Aftercare treatment equips individuals with the necessary tools to stay clean and sober and can be increased and decreased based on individual needs. It's important to note that addiction is a chronic brain disorder that requires ongoing care and management. While there is no cure for addiction, with proper care and support, individuals can manage their addiction and lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. 


Relapse Pressures Come From:

  • Exposure to certain people, places or things that trigger cravings
  • Challenging emotions such as depression, anxiety and anger
  • Lack of social support to maintain sobriety
  • Overconfidence leading to complacency
  • Pre-existing mental health problems 
  • Intense and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms
  • Social pressure to drink and take drug


Preventing Relapse with the Help of Aftercare

The ultimate goal of aftercare is to help program alumni use the tools they learned while in treatment to prevent relapses. This means avoiding situations that are avoidable and understanding how to navigate those which are not.  Working with your clinician, you will build a plan you’re willing to stick with once you finish treatment. Understanding and using the tools and supports Sameem Aftercare offers greatly reduces an individual's likelihood of relapsing. 



CALL TO GET STARTED TODAY

(617) 213-6887

Get Started Today

We know that overcoming addiction is challenging and requires the courage and strength to acknowledge that help is needed. With 40 years of experience, our team of professionals at Sameem Behavioral Health understands how to help individuals overcome substance abuse.

Seeking assistance and support is a significant step towards recovery, and it is essential to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many people have gone through similar difficulties and have come out stronger on the other side. With the right resources and support, you can overcome addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Components of an Effective Aftercare Plan

There are numerous resources, activities, and more that can be part of an aftercare plan. These vary depending on each individual’s needs. As you approach the end of your time in treatment, you’ll will meet with your clinician to develop an individualized Aftercare plan and understand Sameem's support system to lean on after treatment as needed.

Common components of an effective aftercare plan might include some or any of the following:

  • Continuing with some group meetings
  • Continuing some community relationships fostered through treatment
  • Going to individual therapy sessions or check-ins
  • Understanding what triggers will add stress and how best to cope


Individual counseling and group therapy are two common parts of an effective aftercare program. Individual sessions give you the space to process things you didn’t work through entirely during your treatment as well as addressing new challenges that arise. Group therapy provides you with support from your peers that helps you feel less alone as you get comfortable and accustom to living a Healthy Living lifestyle.  You will also have say in what your aftercare program looks like which helps with its adoption.


Give us a call today at 617-213-6887 or connect with us online to get started and learn more about our addiction treatment services.


Important Factors in Maintaining Sobriety

The importance of aftercare in staying clean or sober are:

  • Staying connected with people
  • Successfully coping with triggers
  • Access to a support network as issues come up
  • Remaining accountable to a partner or community
  • Understanding how to manage and live a healthier lifestyle


Living a healthier lifestyle means making some small lifestyle changes and improving ones wellness.  The following are the types of changes people make:


Finding ways to destress 

Managing stress is crucial because it is a significant risk factor in addiction and relapse. Although your aftercare package will include therapy visits, you can also manage stress through self-care. Simple activities like setting early bedtimes, meditating, or finding a new hobby can be effective.


Eating a more balanced diet 

Consuming a balanced diet is also important. Alcohol and drug addiction can deprive your body of essential nutrients, so it is essential to continue with the regular mealtimes and healthy habits you learned during treatment. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and foods that are low in salt, saturated fat, and sugar can support brain health.


Staying physically active 

Staying physically active is beneficial for your overall health, and it can also provide a different focus. Engaging in a new sport or taking part in a challenge can reduce the likelihood of relapse.


Protecting mental health

Protecting your mental health is equally important. Avoid exposing yourself to challenging situations unless it is unavoidable. There are several ways to build resilience and foster a growth mindset. Journaling can help you validate your emotions, recognize your needs, and understand how far you have come.


Ultimately, maintaining sobriety is a challenging process that requires a significant commitment, a good support network, and ongoing aftercare. With the right help and support, it is possible to stay sober.


What is Aftercare?

Achieving sobriety is a huge accomplishment. But treatment for drug addiction doesn’t stop after a person successfully detoxes and withdrawals from drugs. Aftercare is a type of ongoing treatment service that is given to people in recovery from drug addiction after they achieve initial sobriety. Aftercare can take the form of inpatient rehab or intensive outpatient rehab services.


About 10% of the U.S. adult population struggles with a substance use disorder, and relapse rates for substance use disorders can be as high as 60%. But patients who take advantage of aftercare services experience lower relapse rates than people who do not participate in aftercare programs.

What To Expect

Attending aftercare support programs reduces relapse

Addiction is an illness whose root causes and triggers can vary significantly for each patient. The most effective aftercare programs will be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and circumstances. Individuals who have been addicted to drugs often face several challenges in maintaining their sobriety. These challenges may include difficulties in finding employment that can support them financially or securing safe and affordable housing. Over time people will face challenging life moments, leading to stress and worry that can trigger a relapse. Aftercare programs educated patients on what to do in these situations and how to access to various resources that can help them navigate stressful times.


Aftercare usually entails less hands-on, direct support from clinicians and doctors, unlike Intensive or Enhanced Addiction Treatment phases. Aftercare involves more of knowing when to follow up with a counselor, go to a group meeting, and to follow up with a peer in the community. Because they recognize they need help, guidance, encouragement, and advice on how to maintain their sobriety from experienced therapists, counselors, and their peer community.


Unfortunately, people who’ve struggled with addiction, often can't turn to family to help get them through these times because they aren't experienced with addiction. And in some cases their family may be a trigger for their drug and alcohol use. Aftercare's support systems are important to have in place to maintain ones sobriety to engage and increase as needed. Patients who are in recovery from drug addiction can significantly benefit from supportive aftercare programs.


Aftercare programs can also assist with obtaining legal counsel, budgeting, and getting a job. Reducing stress, fear, and uncertainty significantly reduces a patient’s chances of relapse. Studies show that people who attend aftercare support programs experience fewer instances of relapse than patients who do not receive aftercare support.



Top 5 Reasons Aftercare is Important For Addiction Recovery:

1. Regular Connection

Leaving intensive or enhanced treatment and returning to everyday life can be a challenging transition. While in treatment, you are surrounded by people who are going through a similar experience, and you have access to resources that support your recovery. Aftercare provides regular connection and support from professionals and peers, which is essential to maintaining long-term recovery.


2. Ability to Cope

Aftercare helps you identify the triggers that fuel your desire to drink or use drugs and develop coping strategies to manage them. By spotting the warning signs of a potential relapse, you can take steps to prevent it from happening.


3. Readymade Support Network

Boredom and isolation can lead to relapse, but aftercare provides access to group therapy and ongoing counseling or support groups as needed. These resources offer a supportive environment that can help you manage the challenges of recovery.


4. Managing Underlying Conditions

Aftercare can help you address any coexisting health problems, such as mental health disorders, anxiety, or depression. By managing these underlying conditions, you can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain your sobriety.


5. Being Accountable

Participating in aftercare means having regular check-ins with a therapist to support your sobriety. This level of accountability can be essential to maintaining your recovery, especially in the early stages when relapse is most likely.



Get Started Today

We know that overcoming addiction is challenging and requires the courage and strength to acknowledge that help is needed. With over 40 years of experience, our team of professionals at Sameem Behavioral Health understands how to help individuals overcome substance abuse.

Seeking assistance and support is a significant step towards recovery, and it is essential to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many people have gone through similar difficulties and have come out stronger on the other side. With the right resources and support, you can overcome addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Ready to Make

a Change?

(617) 213-6887

If you are ready to start your road to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, Sameem Behavioral Health offers comprehensive care options to address the unique needs of each client. To start your journey to recovery today, call Sameem Behavioral Health at 617-213-6887.


We accept most insurance providers and can help you understand and maximize your coverage to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.


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