The time following treatment is one of the riskiest and most challenging times for individuals trying to build lives in recovery. During treatment, individuals are provided with a strong support system consisting of therapists, sober peers, and skilled support staff. Due to being housed in a safe and secure environment, they are better equipped to manage triggers and difficult emotions in a healthy way. However, after formal treatment has concluded, individuals may be unprepared to face stressful situations and temptations in the outside world. 

While the recovery tools and emotional coping skills clients learn in treatment are very effective, the practical application of those skills in the real world is more challenging than in a treatment setting. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease, and it is not uncommon for individuals to continue battling cravings and urges produced by a brain that is not fully healed.

All these factors combined mean that a thorough aftercare plan is critical for ongoing recovery. At Guardian Recovery, our aftercare services help our clients stay strong in the first year after treatment.