Recovery aftercare is a vital part of addiction treatment, but it can often be a source of anxiety for many individuals. Some people may be concerned that the additional services will increase their cost, but there are several programs available to help. Aftercare costs vary by location, type of treatment, and other factors. For example, an IOP program in a less desirable setting with fewer amenities will likely be cheaper than a luxury rehabilitation center. However, the cost is not necessarily a deal breaker as there are also several state and federal assistance programs available to help with treatment costs.

Aftercare is essential in the recovery process because addiction is a chronic disease and people in recovery are vulnerable to relapse after completing addiction treatment. According to Arizona State University’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy, up to 60% of individuals in recovery are at risk for relapse.

A comprehensive aftercare program will typically include individual and group therapy sessions. This allows people in recovery to discuss their struggles and challenges with peers that have similar experiences. It also helps them to develop and practice the coping skills they learned in rehab.

In addition to individual and group therapy, aftercare can also offer financial management, job training, housing, transportation, and educational services. These resources and services can be incredibly helpful for those struggling in recovery and may be the difference between long-term sobriety and relapse. In fact, it is estimated that relapse rates are significantly reduced when individuals participate in aftercare programs.