Top 5 Aspects of an Effective Aftercare Plan for Early Recovery

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is another important component of effective aftercare. It serves as a halfway point between the full-time care of inpatient treatment and returning to everyday life. IOP typically takes place 3 days per week for 3 to 5 hours per day. The main focus of outpatient is how to maintain your newfound sobriety while navigating life.

IOP allows more free time during the week compared to higher levels of care. This allows you to get a job or go back to school. You can attend outside meetings or find activities they enjoy. It lets you get back to the real world for a few days per week while still having a support system to return to.

You check in with your therapist during the week to discuss particular problems that arise as you get back into life. They teach you to track the emotions and situations that trigger you and help you learn to walk through them without using drugs or alcohol.

Group therapy in IOP centers on the difficulties of returning to everyday responsibilities. The people in your group therapy sessions understand exactly what you’re going through. You have space and support to process the challenges of getting back to work, school, or your family alongside your peers.

Some drug and alcohol rehabs offer alumni programs as part of their aftercare plan. Alumni programs include ongoing support from your case manager or therapist once you finish treatment. Sometimes facilities offer alumni meetings which are a mix of people currently in treatment and those who finished the program.

12-step meetings or other support groups like SMART Recovery or Refuge Recovery are another important part of an aftercare program. They are a free way to continue keeping your recovery at the center of your life after treatment is over.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other 12-step Anonymous programs are a few of the most popular recovery support groups. There are millions of members and hundreds of groups that meet regularly around the world. No matter where you go you’re likely to find at least one accessible 12-step meeting during the week.

SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and other programs offer an alternative to the 12-step recovery model. Some struggle with the spiritual aspect of the Anonymous programs so SMART and Refuge offer alternative approaches.

The important part is finding a recovery group that meets regularly, regardless of the specific type of support you settle into. It gives you another place to call your home base and the support of other individuals who understand your struggle.

A strong recovery community is likely the most important aspect of aftercare and early recovery. Your community can include both people who are sober themselves as well as those who support your sobriety. The goal of building a recovery community is having a group to turn to encourage you when the challenging aspects of life get to you.

Your recovery community may include people you went through treatment with or people you go to meetings with. Family and friends who watched your entire process from addiction and alcoholism into drug- and alcohol-free are another key addition to your recovery community. The more people you have looking out for you, the better your chances of long-term sobriety.

If you’re looking for a treatment facility that understands the importance of effective aftercare, Peace Valley Recovery should be on your list. Call us at to learn more about the options we offer for treatment. Peace Valley Recovery aims to equip you with the tools you need to live a life of long-term recovery. Reach out to us today to find out how!