the After Care

Aftercare, or continuing care in the substance use disorder context, has evolved to mean a few things. As originally conceptualized, continuing care was a period of lower-intensity treatment following a more intensive initial period, such as residential treatment or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Thus, the concept of aftercare was known as a “step down” in the continuum of care. The objective of continuing care was and still is to solidify and sustain the gains made during treatment and prevent relapse. Now, SUD treatment is sometimes delivered in a primary care setting, so continuing care includes managing patients over an extended period of time. Either way, aftercare is intended to support someone in their early recovery, help them avoid relapse, and assist them as they work toward their life goals.1 Having an aftercare plan is important because many people face difficulties when transitioning from treatment back into everyday life. The risk of relapse is highest in the first few months after someone leaves rehab.1 Between 40% and 60% of people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction experience a relapse at some point in time. This rate is comparable to other chronic conditions such as type I diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.2 Developing an aftercare plan in early recovery can help prevent a relapse by providing an individual with support and allowing them to continue to work on issues surrounding their addiction. Once they feel established in their sobriety, they can also begin to give back to others who are newly sober.