Aftercare For Substance Abuse & Mental Health in Florida

The journey toward a healthy and substance-free life is one of constant ups and downs, and recovery continues long after treatment ends. Between 40 and 60 percent of people will experience a return to use, but having a plan for what comes next can ensure this doesn’t happen to those you love. 

Many of our clients here at Tranquil Shores are busy, with work and life obligations that constantly pull them in different directions. By keeping a robust aftercare plan in place, they are able to continue their recovery journey without disrupting their daily lives.

What Is Aftercare?

Aftercare refers to the ongoing support and services that our clients receive after they complete our initial treatment program. These can be absolutely critical in preventing return to use and helping your loved one stay committed to their recovery journey. Aftercare can include outpatient care, job transition support, access to support networks, and more. 

The goal of aftercare is generally to provide a stable base of support and accountability, allowing your loved one to return to their life after treatment without being left on their own. Often, particular emphasis is paid to continued training, helping clients continuously improve their recovery skills and resilience. Other key elements are a sense of community, as well as continual accountability and recovery check-ins.

When our clients end their treatment, we often provide continued care in the form of partial hospitalization from home, intensive outpatient, or outpatient programs. As these programs wind down, we transition into developing each client an individualized aftercare plan.

Individualized Aftercare Plan

At Tranquil Shores, we make sure every client who leaves our doors is equipped with everything they need to succeed. This begins with their individually tailored aftercare plan.

From the client’s admission into treatment, your loved one will meet with one of our clinical case managers. Here, they’ll have an open conversation about any needs for aftercare, as well as any recommendations from their primary therapist. Many of our clients have work or business commitments, and we help them schedule and understand how to fit aftercare into their busy schedules. 

The Tools of Aftercare

We make sure your loved one leaves with all the tools to succeed. A huge priority for us is getting them set up with any outside providers they might need –  IOP / OP treatment, therapists, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and more. We even get them connected with dentists and any other specialty providers. 

Some clients may need additional assistance. We provide guidance in searching for housing, helping assess options, or connecting with sober living facilities. We act as a guide through the referral and screening processes this can entail, ensuring your loved one can find a safe and stable environment to get back on their feet. 

Additionally, we offer assistance applying for short-term disability, Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We assist in applications for bus passes when transportation is an issue, as well as provide resume-building aid. Our goal is to get your loved one back on their feet, so they feel safe and capable of continuing their recovery journey.

Our Partners and Support Networks

In addition, we provide extensive and custom-tailored lists of support groups in your loved one’s area. Whether they are a local client, or come from out of town, we make sure they have access to the support networks they need. We work with each individual to see which groups might be a good fit, from SMART Recovery to AA, or any other network that suits their needs. 

For our clients who are interested in fitness, or the outdoors in general, one resource we often recommend is a group known as The Phoenix. This is a unique sober support group that focuses on physical health, with a variety of events. Gym meets, fitness classes, walks, hikes, and even meditation sessions are all a part of their monthly activities.

The Alumni Program at Tranquil Shores

A huge part of aftercare is involvement in our extensive alumni network. Research suggests that a sense of belonging is one of the best ways to boost recovery outcomes. Free and open to any of our alumni, this group provides a sense of community and connection alongside those who have also gone through treatment. Not only does this enable your loved one to have the support they need to stay strong and prevent a return to use, but it also allows them to give back and feel a sense of accomplishment and progress.

Our alumni program has several key components.

Weekly “Recovery In Action” Meetings

Hosted each Monday from 7 pm to 8 pm, these include current clients in our day/night program. Pizza and refreshments are provided for all who attend. In these groups, our alumni have an opportunity to connect with one another, while simultaneously helping those currently in treatment. These can be powerful bonds, providing a clear view of the progress taken, and offering light for those in treatment.

Monthly “Eat ‘n Greet” Meals

Our alumni are invited to our monthly “eat ‘n greet” meals, where we meet up at a local restaurant with other alumni. These are hosted by our alumni coordinator and other Tranquil Shores staff. The schedule will vary slightly, but we communicate it well in advance to all of our alumni. These are opportunities to build a sense of fellowship, connection, and emphasize the importance of recovery.

Monthly “Power Hour” Zoom Workshops

Hosted on the third Thursday of each month from 11 AM to Noon, these are an excellent way for our alumni to continue improving their recovery skills. Our clinical supervisor picks an educational topic, such as the importance of mindfulness or other cognitive-behavioral techniques, and then hosts an interactive and educational workshop. Alumni are encouraged to ask questions, participate in exercises, and generally stay connected and sharp with the skills they use to stay on their recovery path.

Annual Alumni Barbecues

Every year, we meet at a local park to host a large barbecue, open to all alumni and their families and support networks. Catered food is available, and we provide music, games, and more. Often, staff members may be there as well, and it’s a great way to connect with other members within the recovery community.

Get the Help You and Your Family Need at Tranquil Shores

When you look for treatment, you want to know that what you get actually works. But the reality is, drug rehab is not the end of the line. The path back to an addiction-free life is a journey that continues when you and your loved ones return home. Finding a treatment provider who assists with effective aftercare is an important step, and a critical one in your recovery journey.

At Tranquil Shores, every client receives an in-depth aftercare plan. We not only provide effective initial treatment in a calm and welcoming environment, but we also give our clients the tools they need to succeed after they walk out of our doors. If you would like to know more about our aftercare and treatment programs, please call us today at 727-591-4119. We are also available through our contact page. Our team at Tranquil Shores is always here to provide the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an aftercare plan include?

A good aftercare plan is individualized to support your recovery needs when treatment ends. This includes connecting you to doctors, psychiatrists, and dentists – as well as helping you apply for assistance and build a resume, and connecting you to support groups. It also includes access to our comprehensive alumni program.

How long does aftercare last?

Aftercare begins when treatment ends, and some elements continue for a lifetime. Recovery can be a long journey, and it’s important to have a solid plan to prevent a return to use.