Getting someone into treatment feels like a victory. But treatment is only the first step. Without aftercare, recovery often unravels in the weeks and months that follow. Aftercare is what keeps people connected—to support, to structure, to accountability. It’s sober coaching, therapy, transitional planning, and community. Without it, relapse risk skyrockets. With it, progress becomes sustainable. Families often think the crisis is over once rehab ends—but in reality, that’s when the real work begins. If you want long-term recovery, plan for aftercare from the start. It’s not an add-on. It’s the difference between short-term success and lasting change.