For individuals in recovery, aftercare is an essential facet of relapse prevention. Once rehabilitation is completed, sobriety must be maintained. With the healthy coping mechanisms and comprehensive methods learned in drug or alcohol rehab, many individuals require ongoing support. Fortunately, New Bridge Foundation® in Berkeley, California offers free aftercare for life upon program completion.

Understanding Addiction

Aftercare | New Bridge Foundation®Addiction is a complex mental disease that affects the brain’s reward center. Individuals use chemical substances for the euphoric feelings they produce. Cognitively, drugs and alcohol release dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. Eventually, the brain acclimates to the constant high levels of dopamine. If you lower your dose or end substance abuse, it’s much harder for your mind to produce these necessary, pleasure-inducing  transmitters.

For a period after drug and alcohol use ends, the brain becomes dopamine starved. Therefore, individuals often experience cravings that are hard to ignore and the temptation to use again is prevalent. Overcoming cravings and these may triggers require professional substance abuse treatment. This is where rehabilitation and aftercare treatment serves a vital purpose.

The Importance of Relapse Prevention

Those who’ve successfully graduated from addiction rehab must work diligently to overcome triggers and temptation. Triggers are any form of stimuli that motivate a person to engage in addictive behavior. For example, if an individual visits a familiar area in which they used to obtain drugs and alcohol, they may feel triggered.

During addiction rehabilitation with New Bridge Foundation®, individuals are taught healthy methods for coping with these triggers. During group and individual counseling, they may gain a better understanding of themselves and what tempts them to use. They’ll then apply this information to establish ways to prevent addictive behavior.

Following their journey of self-discovery, individuals may benefit from additional support in maintaining and solidifying recovery. Fortunately, aftercare focuses heavily on relapse prevention. As time moves forward, and lifestyles change, clients may discover new triggers and temptations. Aftercare allows them to continue exploring these and uncover additional tools for remaining sober.

Free Aftercare with New Bridge Foundation®

During your time with New Bridge Foundation®, you’ll have access to the following comprehensive addiction treatment programs:

Most importantly, New Bridge Foundation® offers free aftercare for life. As clients grow and progress in their lives outside of rehab, they’ll always have the necessary support for continuing to maintain sobriety.

Our non-profit treatment center is nestled in the hills of Berkeley, California. In the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, clients have easy access to convenient public transportation (e.g. BART). At our home-like facility, you’ll receive support from our well-trained, multi-disciplinary staff.

Call 866-772-8491 to begin your life-changing journey to recovery.