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Aftercare Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults

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Successful completion of a treatment program for adolescents and young adults struggling with addiction is a huge step on the road to recovery. But for most addicts, regardless of their type of addiction, they’re not completely ready to function independently. They have fulfilled an important and essential part of their goal to overcome their addiction, namely the treatment program, but they still require ongoing support for some period of time. This critical phase is called aftercare, and participation in an aftercare program often makes the difference between abstinence and relapse.

Aftercare programs are designed to offer counseling to adolescent and young adult addicts on an ongoing basis. Typically, these addicts have completed an addiction inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Most aftercare programs will only take adolescent and young adult addicts who have remained chemically or behaviorally abstinent for a certain length of time before being admitted to the program. Aftercare programs generally take place immediately following a residential or outpatient treatment program.

Different Types of Aftercare Programs

Some drug rehab centers for adolescents and young adults offer what is called a "work exchange" rehab program. This is the best option for those who need an intensive aftercare solution. Once the teenage or young adult addict has completely finished the drug or alcohol program, they are eligible to apply to stay longer, anywhere from one to six months, sometimes longer, depending on their recovery performance and progress. During this time they work various jobs throughout the rehab center and are supportive to their peers in other phases of the program. They will receive free room and board and be paid a normal salary. This allows the recovering addicts to work and save money toward their goals while receiving extended treatment in a safe and supported environment.

Another type of aftercare program is sober living housing. Many drug rehab centers offer transitional housing, where upon completion of the treatment program the individual goes to live in a setting with other recovering addicts. This is a great option for them to start fresh in new environment with the support of other addicts. They are required to find work and pay rent, usually inexpensive, and attend twelve step meetings. Once they have saved enough money and feel they are able to move on with their life free of drugs and alcohol, they can move out.