In the addiction recovery process, there is a likely chance that some of the individuals who recover from addiction will go back to their old ways.
This process is referred to as relapse. These individuals cannot be blamed for this because there is this tendency for us to pick up bad habits when we are faced with cravings.
Hence, this is one of the reasons why addiction treatment centers are always advised that after the rehab program, there should be an aftercare program.
The basic purpose of an aftercare program is to keep in touch with recovered individuals, making sure they do not get addicted once again.
An aftercare program can run for as long as a couple of years. The individual might not need to attend sessions as before. All the person needs do is to submit a progress report on his lifestyle so far.
An aftercare program comprises thorough monitoring and it checks the possibility of a relapse. If the individual is out of the woods and it is detected that he or she might be addicted, the person might have to be re-admitted.
In some cases, the individual would be required to leave some friends who served as major sources of contribution to their addiction in the past.
There is no actual cure for addiction that is why a relapse is possible. However, with proficient treatment, an individual can be able to fight off addiction and leave a normal life thereafter.
Therefore, it is necessary for an addiction treatment program to have aftercare plan for any individual they have under their care.
The practical way an aftercare works is, the individual would be required to keep up with counseling sessions at different times of the week. Sometimes, a rehab might offer the patient some rewards if he or she is able to conquer cravings that might trigger their addiction.
Addiction is a tough battle that must be fought with every possible means. If there are lapses, there is a tendency for the individual to relapse.