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After completing a substance abuse treatment program, it is important that patients receive follow-up or continuing care. Successfully addressing substance abuse problems typically requires a life-long commitment to recovery.

After patients return to their usual work, home and school environments, they will likely face many temptations and cravings for alcohol and/or drugs. Relapse (using alcohol and/or drugs after a period of abstinence) is common among patients who have received substance abuse treatment. It is important for the patient to return to treatment after relapse.

Some ways in which patients may receive continuing care after treatment include:

• Self-help programs. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two popular programs for patients recovering from substance abuse problems. Patients meet and share personal stories in an effort to provide support and refrain from alcohol and/or drug use.
  
  
• Halfway houses or sober houses. Alcohol and drug-free living environments for people who previously attended prison-based or residential programs. Patients usually remain in these facilities for three months to one year. Counseling is provided on-site or at an outpatient facility.
  
  
• Supportive living or transitional apartments. Small group alcohol- and drug-free living environments. Residents support each other and attend counseling and self-help groups.
  
  
• Counseling. Many patients continue to seek group or individual therapy to address substance abuse problems and other problems, such as depression.