Vicodin is a potent opioid drug often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. The drug is often given to patients suffering pain from serious injuries or major surgery. The drug is composed of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller, and paracetamol, a common non-narcotic painkiller.
The addictive component here is hydrocodone, which can produce euphoric sensations if it is not used properly. If you happen to be addicted to Vicodin, rehab is the best way to regain control of your life.
Rehab is a difficult and often emotional journey, but it’s worth it in the end. After you’ve completed Vicodin rehab, your recovery journey doesn’t end there. Aftercare is just as important in your recovery process as the actual rehab program.
Why is aftercare so important?
Addiction is a chronic disease. Just like any other chronic disease, it requires ongoing management to prevent relapse. The goal of aftercare is to provide you with the tools and support you need to maintain your sobriety and continue to make progress in your recovery.
Behavioral therapy
One of the main methods used in aftercare is behavioral therapy. Whether it’s individual or group therapy, this type of aftercare allows you to continue working through any underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction. It also provides a safe and supportive environment for you to talk about any challenges or struggles you may be facing in your recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Another method used in aftercare is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This may include taking medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. It’s important to note that MAT should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional and in conjunction with therapy.
Support groups
Additionally, aftercare often includes participation in support groups such as 12-step programs. These groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide a sense of community and accountability, which can be incredibly beneficial in maintaining sobriety.
What is a sober living home?
Sober living homes are communal houses where individuals in recovery from addiction can live together and support one another as they continue their journey towards sobriety.
You get a number of benefits if you choose to reside inside a sober living home after rehab is over. For instance, it provides a structured and safe environment for you to continue your recovery. It’s a place where you can surround yourself with like-minded people who are also working towards sobriety. This can be extra helpful in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
Another benefit of sober living homes is that they often have strict rules and guidelines in place to promote a healthy lifestyle. This can include things like a strict no drugs and alcohol policy, mandatory participation in chores, membership in support groups, and regular drug testing. These rules provide a sense of structure and accountability, which are crucial in your journey to a complete recovery.
Sober living homes also provide resources and support for education and career building. This can be a big help for you to rebuild your life after rehab.
Additionally, sober living homes provide a sense of community and camaraderie. Living with others who are also in recovery gives you a sense of understanding that can be difficult to find in the outside world.
How common is relapse?
Relapse is a common thing in the recovery process for those struggling with addiction. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40-60% of individuals in recovery will (at some point) relapse. That can be a scary thought, but it’s important to understand that relapse is just a setback, not a failure of recovery.
Causes of relapse
Relapse can be triggered by a variety of factors such as stress, triggers, or underlying mental health issues. It’s also important to note that addiction is a chronic disease, and just like any other chronic disease, it requires ongoing management to prevent relapse.
Avoiding relapse
One of the most important things you can do is to continue to attend therapy and participate in aftercare. This allows you to continue working through any underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction. Your therapists also provide a safe and supportive environment for you to discuss any challenges or struggles you may be facing in your recovery.
Another way to prevent relapse is by having a strong support system. This can include family, friends, and support groups such as 12-step programs. These groups provide a sense of community and accountability, which are instrumental in maintaining sobriety.
It’s also important to have a plan in place for when triggers or stressors do arise. This can include having a list of coping mechanisms, a list of people to call for support, or even a pre-planned script to use in difficult situations.
If you do experience a relapse, know that it’s a normal part of the recovery process. It is not a sign of weakness or failure to recover, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Use it as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and make a plan to prevent future relapses.
How can I get aftercare support?
Aftercare is an essential part of recovering from a Vicodin addiction. It provides the tools and support needed to maintain sobriety and continue making progress in your recovery.
Usually, your treatment team will prepare an aftercare plan as part of your rehab program. That means you will know what to do once you complete your rehab. This way, you can continue to focus on your recovery before transitioning into the outside world.
If your rehab program does not include aftercare, talk to your treatment team or your trusted therapist. They will help you come up with the best aftercare plan so you can stay on the path to sobriety.
It may be tempting to go straight back into the outside world after rehab. But research has shown that recovery outcomes are better if you join an aftercare program. You will have lower chances of relapsing and better chances of living drug-free for life.
