A healthy life after addiction may feel far from reach for those in the pitfall of drug and/or alcohol abuse. Some might even find themselves ridden with fear at the thought of falling back into the dangerous habits they’d worked so hard to break. Fortunately, there are several support systems and/or factors that can pose as beneficial to the individual by keeping him/her on the right track following his/her rehab program. These come in the form of aftercare programs which allow each person to feel a lot less isolated, and alone, in comparison to the world around them.
One of the most common aftercare programs is a self-help group which is “a group of people who provide mutual support for each other. In a self-help group, the members share a common problem, often a common disease or addiction.” It is through programs like these that individuals are able to go back out into the world better prepared for what is to come, such as triggers, and other environmental factors. The program itself gives those the opportunity to discuss what they have undergone while in the midst of their addiction, as well as what they are struggling with following their recovery.
Another aftercare program that is used is a twelve-step one which is a “self help meeting where participants admit past mistakes, surrender to a higher power, and learn to stay sober.” It is through this that each participant is able to come face to face with past mistakes, and/or certain situations that are holding them back. Instead of pushing such burdens underneath the rug, they can then be addressed at face value, which can then promote healing in that of the individual’s mental, emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well being.
In conclusion, resuming a healthy life after addiction is possible, but while some may do just fine on their own, others may voluntarily surround themselves with community who can help aid them in achieving their goals. Not only that, but individuals who have overcome substance abuse are able to better relate and communicate with one another because of similar experiences which they may have faced. Therefore, these types of support groups along with several others are able to help a wide range of people no matter their age, gender, and so on. It is then that they will be able to resume a healthy lifestyle with the added bonus of others, rather than by themselves.