Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that does not have a cure. However, clients struggling with addiction can recover. Recovery is marked by continued effort to ensure sobriety. This means that while addiction treatment is vital, it is not the end of the road. Post-treatment support with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can help serve clients with the support they need long-term. Clients at Rancho Recovery receive support in setting up their continued support network after treatment, which often includes helping them find meetings where they can build and maintain relationships that help them stay sober.
The Need for Post-Treatment Support
Of the individuals who have gone through addiction treatment, about 40-60% relapse. Individuals relapse for a variety of reasons, and while relapse is not ideal, it does not mean that a person cannot heal from addiction. The high rate of relapse helps put the need for post-treatment support in perspective.
This can seem counterintuitive, and many clients believe that once they’ve undergone treatment, they are healed and finished. Additionally, when clients are fresh out of treatment, they often feel they are on top of the world. However, the process of healing is only just beginning. Recovery is a lifelong journey. Clients need to take each day at a time and continue to build their skills and address challenges as they arise. Post-treatment support assists clients in doing just this.
12-Step Groups
One of the primary post-treatment support options for clients is 12-Step groups. 12-Step groups are peer support groups that meet regularly. Individuals with a history of addiction are welcome to join. They can share their story, listen to others, receive support, and provide support. This is all in the context of an anonymous group of peers.
Choosing NA or AA
NA and AA are both options for 12-Step groups. They have cross-over in how they are run, as they are both peer support groups. Each is founded on the understanding that consistent support from a group helps individuals to stay on the path of sobriety, and return to the path if they struggle with a relapse.
AA is known for being more centered around religious beliefs. The role of a higher power is held as truth, and this helps clients to understand that certain aspects of life are not under their control. Members of AA aim to grow aware of the harm they have caused and make amends for these.
While NA has many similarities, NA focuses less on a higher power. Instead, its focus is more on personal responsibility. NA members still understand that they are addicts and powerless over their addiction. However, the focus is more on what individuals can control rather than focus on a higher power.
Value of NA or AA as Post-Treatment Support
Both NA and AA as post-treatment support are highly effective in aiding clients to maintain their recovery. This is due to the consistent peer support they offer. Through these meetings, clients learn that they do not have to go at it alone; there are others in the world with similar challenges, and they have a community of support and care they can count on.
Peer Support
As peer support groups, NA and AA are filled with individuals with a history of addiction. This means the group is not led by a mental health care professional, but instead, it is a group that aims to help each other. Peer support is helpful for clients in many ways. It offers a place where they feel that they belong, as others in the group have similar challenges. This is helpful as many individuals return to their lives after treatment feeling like outsiders.
Additionally, peer support means that each individual can both give and get support. Providing and receiving support, as well as listening to others’ advice, is helpful in learning. It gets clients involved in not only their own process of healing but others as well. As a result, they are focused on learning new options and continuing to work for their sobriety.
Consistent Support
The peer support in NA or AA is consistent. This is ideal for clients after treatment. In treatment, clients had a regulated schedule, including support and care. When they return home, much of this support is gone. However, NA or AA can substitute for this support, as it is a consistent source of peer support that clients can count on.
Getting Post-Treatment Support
In treatment at Rancho Recovery, clients are encouraged to think about their post-treatment plans. This includes how they will get support. Staff members aid clients by providing them with options that they can choose from. This often includes helping clients find meetings that will work for them and following up to ensure that they are getting the support they need after treatment.
Addiction is a disease that requires clients to continue to work on their recovery. At Rancho Recovery, we understand that this is difficult. Therefore, we assist clients in maintaining their engagement in their recovery even after treatment. The staff helps clients find NA or AA meetings, aiming to help them continue with the Twelve Steps they started during treatment. We understand that 12-Step meetings are not for everyone, and aim to help clients find the right fit for them in their post-treatment journey. If you are struggling with addiction, we can help you to heal and make a plan to successfully recover after treatment. Call us today at (877) 484-1447 to learn more.