Alumni & Aftercare

Aftercare is the final phase of addiction recovery and covers the steps an individual takes to reduce the odds of relapse following treatment. Aftercare can include steps such as group therapy and researching sober living resources in order to prepare for life after rehab.

Aftercare is a critical component of long-term success when it comes to beating drug or alcohol addiction as well as conquering mental health disorders. At Southeastern Recovery Center, part of the personalized treatment plans we create for our patients include aftercare planning. With high addiction relapse rates for individuals in recovery, treatment for substance use disorders or mental health disorders is to give patients proper aftercare to improve their odds of living independently in sobriety. 

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What Is Aftercare?

Aftercare is the final phase of addiction recovery and covers the steps an individual takes to reduce the odds of relapse following treatment. Aftercare can include steps such as group therapy and researching sober living resources in order to prepare for life after rehab.

Aftercare is a critical component of long-term success when it comes to beating drug or alcohol addiction as well as conquering mental health disorders. At Southeastern Recovery Center, part of the personalized treatment plans we create for our patients include aftercare planning. With high addiction relapse rates for individuals in recovery, treatment for substance use disorders or mental health disorders is to give patients proper aftercare to improve their odds of living independently in sobriety.

Why Aftercare Matters

40–60% of people relapse within their first year of recovery without ongoing support (NIDA)

Individuals who remain abstinent for 2 years post-treatment have nearly a 90% chance of staying sober long-term (NCBI)

SAMHSA 2024: 23.5 million Americans consider themselves in recovery or to have recovered

Does aftercare actually help prevent relapse? 

The facts say yes.

With so many Americans and recovery and so many people in recovery relapsing, it’s never been more important for awareness of the potency of aftercare to spread. We at Southeastern Recovery Center aim to give our patients the resources they need to cope with substance use disorders and mental health disorders for the rest of their lives. This includes arming them with life skills and coping techniques that they can use even if they develop new disorders in the future.

aftercare and alumni program at Southeastern Recovery Center in Charlotte, NC

Full Aftercare Services Breakdown

We personalize our services to each individual’s needs and life goals. That said, our aftercare services for drug addiction may include the following, depending on patient preferences:

Just like with drug or alcohol addiction treatment, aftercare looks a little different for everybody. By working with the medical professionals at Southeastern Recovery Center, you can create a tailor-made aftercare program that best fits your own individual goals. Care doesn’t have to be limited by location either; while we’re located in Charlotte, NC, we serve patients from all over North Carolina, including Concord, Kannapolis, Gastonia, and surrounding areas.

Charlotte Resources for Mental Health and Addiction in Charlotte
drug and alcohol addiction treatment in charlotte nc

Who Should Join Our Aftercare Alumni Program?

While we provide aftercare resources to all of our patients, some individuals may wonder if active participation in our alumni program is for them. A good way to determine if our aftercare alumni program is for you is to ask yourself if you:

  • Completed a treatment program at Southeastern Recovery Center or elsewhere.
  • Recently transitioned back to work, school, or family life and want accountability.
  • Want to stay connected to a sober peer community.
  • Experienced a relapse and are ready to re-engage.
  • Want to give back and mentor others in early recovery.
  • Are committed to giving yourself the best chance possible to avoid relapse.

If you fit most or all of these criteria, you might want to look more into enrolling in Southeastern Recovery Center’s alumni program.

Alcohol & Drug Addiction Relapse Prevention

“What if I relapse?”

These are some of the most commonly voiced words we hear at our Mecklenburg County facility. While aftercare is designed to reduce the odds of an individual relapsing, the fact of the matter is that it may still happen. But while some people who relapse feel strong feelings of shame or guilt, it’s important to recognize that addiction is like diabetes or hypertension. It doesn’t always just go away outright. Relapse is a symptom, not a failure.

That said, it can be helpful to recognize a few warning signs of impending relapse. These include:

  • Feeling HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
  • Social isolation
  • Skipping meetings/school/work
  • Romanticizing past use
  • Mood swings.

If you happen to relapse, please don’t feel shame or guilt. Southeastern Recovery Center has a reentry policy, where any client relaxes can call and come back to our facility without shame.

Family's Role in Aftercare

“What if I relapse?”

These are some of the most commonly voiced words we hear at our Mecklenburg County facility. While aftercare is designed to reduce the odds of an individual relapsing, the fact of the matter is that it may still happen. But while some people who relapse feel strong feelings of shame or guilt, it’s important to recognize that addiction is like diabetes or hypertension. It doesn’t always just go away outright. Relapse is a symptom, not a failure.

That said, it can be helpful to recognize a few warning signs of impending relapse. These include:

  • Feeling HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
  • Social isolation
  • Skipping meetings/school/work
  • Romanticizing past use
  • Mood swings.
family intervention in charlotte nc

If you happen to relapse, please don’t feel shame or guilt. Southeastern Recovery Center has a reentry policy, where any client relaxes can call and come back to our facility without shame.

Sobriety Milestones Timeline

For individuals looking ahead in their drug addiction recovery journey, here are some significant sobriety milestones to keep in mind, along with commonly associated physical, emotional, and social effects.

30 days: Sleep and appetite begin stabilizing; drug cravings still frequent; emotional volatility common

90 days: Brain fog lifting; dopamine receptors starting to rebalance without presence of drugs in system; social triggers remain high

6 months: Sobriety routines solidify; friend and family relationships may begin healing; PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) possible

1 year: Major milestone; reduced drug addiction relapse risk; stronger identity as a person in recovery

2 years: NCBI data shows ~90% long-term sobriety success at this point

To learn more about how long-term sobriety impacts an individual, check out Southeastern Recovery Center’s long-term alcohol sobriety guide.

sobriety milestones in addiction recovery

Local Charlotte Recovery Resource Directory

For individuals looking for free and low-cost resources in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County: 

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Why Our Aftercare Program Stands Out

Ready To Begin Healing?

In our center, we understand that achieving lasting recovery extends beyond the completion of our treatment program. That's why we are committed to delivering an all-encompassing aftercare plan designed to support long-term sobriety and enrich your life after you leave rehab. Our multifaceted strategy involves close collaboration with neighborhood sober living programs, organizing events for our alumni, and implementing regular weekly check-ins, among other features. Let's explore how these components fit into our overarching blueprint for sustained aftercare.

At Southeastern Recovery Center, our goal is more than just helping you achieve sobriety while in our program; we're committed to supporting you in maintaining that sobriety while also enjoying a fulfilling, purposeful life. We aspire to be a partner in your ongoing journey toward recovery, providing you with the vital tools you'll need, a nurturing community to belong to, and consistent support to help you build a resilient, addiction-free future. If you or a loved one are ready to take the step and reach out for help, please give our team a call today!

alumni of addiction treatment in charlotte, nc

Join Our Recovery Family!

The process of overcoming addiction is far from finished when a client leaves the supportive environment of Southeastern Recovery Center. In reality, that departure often signifies the commencement of an enduring commitment to sobriety and overall well-being. Going back to everyday life can be filled with challenges and new obstacles that were not present while in the treatment facility. To address this, we've developed a specialized Alumni and Aftercare Program.

This program is designed to offer ongoing support and resources to our former clients as they face the ups and downs of life post-treatment. It acts as a lifeline of sorts, providing consistent guidance, emotional support, and a nurturing community to help our alumni stay on course in their long-term recovery journey.

The Road To Recovery Doesn't End After Treatment

At Southeastern Recovery Center, we hold the conviction that the path to recovery is most effectively navigated with the backing of a community well-versed in the intricacies of addiction. Our Alumni and Aftercare Program is specifically crafted to provide this lasting support structure. It aims to keep you engaged, informed, and motivated as you embark on a transformative journey towards a life filled with newfound opportunities and freedom. Key features of our program include:

drug and alcohol addiction treatment program alumni

FAQs about Aftercare & Alumni for Addiction Recovery

What is an alumni and aftercare program?

An alumni and aftercare program is the program provided by drug addiction treatment facilities to help improve the odds of long-term success in patients.

How long does aftercare typically last?

Aftercare programs tend to last from six months to a year, but they can go on longer depending on the treatment facility.

Do I have to have completed treatment at SERC to join?

No, you do not have to have completed treatment at Southeastern Recovery Center to join our aftercare program.

What happens if I relapse - can I come back?

Yes, if you relapse you can come back to Southeastern Recovery Center to resume treatment. There is no shame and no guilt involved.

Are there free recovery meetings in Charlotte, NC?

Yes, there are free recovery meetings in Charlotte, North Carolina that we can put you in contact with.

How is aftercare different from outpatient treatment?

Aftercare is different from outpatient treatment because aftercare concerns mitigating the odds of relapse, while outpatient treatment deals with battling an active addiction.

Does Southeastern Recovery Center help with sober living placement after treatment?

Yes, Southeastern Recovery Center helps with sober living placement after our patients receive treatment.

How can family members get involved in aftercare?

Family members can get involved in aftercare by joining aftercare programs and taking part in family and friends meetings.

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What To Expect eBook

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Download Our Free eBook!

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about what to expect when getting help for drug or alcohol addiction, please fill out our brief form and download the eBook. You can also give our admissions team a call & we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Help is only a call away!

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We offer holistic & evidence-based treatment which is proven to increase success rates in recovery. Please reach out to our team today. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

Treatment May Be Fully Covered!

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Ready To Begin Healing?

We are available 24/7 to help you or a loved one.