Graduating from an inpatient treatment program is a significant accomplishment, but it’s only the beginning of a lifelong recovery journey. For many, next steps include enrolling in a partial hospitalization program and outpatient rehab to maintain momentum and strengthen the foundation for long-term sobriety.
Recovery doesn’t stop once inpatient care ends. Sustained success often depends on engaging in ongoing support systems and developing strategies to navigate life’s challenges.
Why continuing care matters
Continuing care bridges the gap between the structured environment of inpatient treatment and the realities of daily life. Without ongoing support, people are more vulnerable to relapse triggers, emotional highs and lows, and feelings of isolation. By participating in structured programs after residential treatment, you increase your chances of maintaining sobriety and developing the skills necessary for independent living.
People who engage in post-residential care experience higher abstinence rates and improved quality of life. Simply put, the importance of continuing care after rehab cannot be overstated — it offers a safety net when recovery feels overwhelming.
What are the next steps after residential rehab?
While still completing residential care, your clinical team will typically help you create a discharge plan outlining recommended next steps. These plans often include enrolling in one or more of the following outpatient programs:
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program provides intensive, structured treatment during the day while allowing you to return home or live in a sober environment at night. A PHP typically includes therapy, group sessions, medication management, and other recovery activities. It’s ideal for those who still need a high level of care but have achieved enough stability to start transitioning into independent life.
At Landmark Recovery, PHP sessions are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering a consistent routine similar to inpatient care.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program offers flexibility while delivering essential recovery services. Clients attend sessions multiple days a week, allowing them to balance work, school, or family responsibilities while continuing their treatment. The key components are therapy, support groups, case management, and relapse prevention.
Landmark Recovery’s IOP runs four days a week, three hours per session, with morning and evening options to fit different schedules.
Alumni programs and beyond
Once you complete formal outpatient care, alumni programs help you stay connected. Alumni groups offer regular meetups, events, and a sense of community that can be critical for sustaining motivation and preventing isolation.
In addition to alumni engagement, other continuing care options include:
- Individual therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Peer support groups like 12-Step or SMART Recovery
- Recovery coaching
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Case management services
- Relapse prevention planning
How to prevent relapse from substance abuse
Relapse prevention is a core goal of continuing care. To lower your risk, it’s essential to:
- Build a strong sober support network
- Identify and manage relapse triggers
- Develop healthy coping strategies for stress, grief, or anxiety
- Stay connected to your therapy, sponsor, or recovery coach
- Attend regular meetings or support groups
- Engage in meaningful activities, hobbies, or volunteer work
How to prevent relapse from substance abuse starts with ongoing connection and proactive planning — continuing care gives you the tools and support necessary to weather the ups and downs of recovery.
How to get support after inpatient rehab
Are you wondering how to get support after inpatient rehab? It begins with taking the first step toward enrolling in outpatient services, alumni programs, and therapy. Every person’s recovery path is unique, and having a personalized, evolving treatment plan ensures you continue building resilience as life changes.
At Landmark Recovery, our team is committed to helping you design a customized continuing care plan that meets your specific goals and challenges. We will walk alongside you at every step, from inpatient treatment to outpatient rehab to lifelong recovery.
Take the next step with Landmark Recovery
If you or a loved one is nearing the end of inpatient treatment, it’s time to think about what comes next. Landmark Recovery offers a full continuum of care to help you maintain momentum, prevent relapse, and create a life of lasting recovery. From partial hospitalization programs to alumni support, we provide everything you need to grow and thrive.
Call Landmark Recovery at (888) 448-0302 or complete our online form to learn more about your outpatient treatment options and how we can support your next step toward a healthier, substance-free future.
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We're here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs.
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