Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program is a life-changing accomplishment, but recovery doesn’t stop there. For many individuals, life after rehab presents new challenges, and the support of a strong recovery community becomes essential. In Montana, local sober living homes, alumni programs, and peer support services are helping people build sustainable, substance-free lives.
At Bear Creek Wellness, a leading addiction treatment center in Montana, we recognize the importance of long-term support. Our goal is to help clients thrive, not just during inpatient treatment, but well after discharge.
The Importance of Continued Support After Rehab
Studies show that individuals who engage in aftercare programs are significantly less likely to relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for substance use disorders are between 40% and 60%, but ongoing recovery support can improve outcomes and reduce risk.
Montana’s recovery landscape is uniquely equipped to help individuals maintain momentum through a blend of structured living environments, community engagement, and peer mentorship.
Sober Living Homes: A Bridge to Independence
Sober living homes provide a substance-free living environment that supports the transition from residential rehab to independent living. These homes typically involve shared responsibilities, curfews, and regular house meetings to promote accountability.
Key Benefits of Sober Living in Montana:
- Safe, structured environment
- Peer accountability and shared experiences
- Reduced exposure to triggers
- Ongoing access to outpatient therapy or support groups
Many sober living residences in Montana are linked with treatment programs or community coalitions, offering a continuum of care. Bear Creek Wellness helps clients transition into certified sober living homes after completing inpatient rehab, ensuring a smooth and stable re-entry into daily life.
Peer Support Networks in Montana
Peer support plays a growing role in addiction recovery. Peer support specialists—people with lived experience in recovery—are trained to offer emotional support, mentorship, and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Peer support services are an evidence-based practice that improves engagement, increases satisfaction, and enhances outcomes in behavioral health settings.
In Montana, certified peer supporters are part of the behavioral health workforce and can be reimbursed through Medicaid in qualifying treatment settings. These professionals are instrumental in helping clients navigate post-rehab life, connect with local resources, and stay focused on their sobriety goals.
Bear Creek Wellness collaborates with certified peer mentors to provide wraparound care, helping clients maintain progress beyond residential treatment.
Alumni Programs: Staying Connected and Supported
Many people in recovery benefit from ongoing connection with the treatment center where they began their journey. Alumni programs allow former clients to stay engaged, attend workshops or virtual check-ins, and support others on the same path.
Bear Creek Wellness offers:
- Monthly virtual alumni meetings
- Peer-led check-ins and support groups
- Opportunities for mentoring newer clients
- Access to educational relapse-prevention resources
The alumni program is designed to maintain a sense of belonging, reduce isolation, and offer consistent encouragement in the months and years after formal treatment.
Community-Based Recovery in Montana
Montana’s rural landscape poses unique challenges for recovery, but also unique opportunities for connection. Many counties in the state now host local recovery groups, 12-Step meetings, and community coalitions that promote education, advocacy, and harm reduction.
These include:
- Recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSCs) supported by local health departments
- Certified Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) that coordinate peer services and education
- Montana Peer Network, a statewide initiative that provides training, events, and advocacy for peer-led recovery services
Bear Creek Wellness encourages graduates to get involved with local recovery networks to maintain accountability and build long-term support systems in their own communities.
Tips for Building a Sustainable Life After Rehab
Here are some ways individuals can build a strong foundation after treatment:
- Live in a certified sober home for accountability and structure
- Attend local or virtual alumni meetings to stay connected
- Connect with a peer support specialist for guidance and mentorship
- Join a local support group (AA, NA, SMART Recovery)
- Maintain consistent outpatient or therapeutic services
- Create a relapse prevention plan with support from your treatment provider
At Bear Creek Wellness, each client receives a personalized aftercare plan that includes these steps and more.
Bear Creek Wellness: Supporting Sobriety Beyond Rehab
We understand that addiction recovery doesn’t end with detox or inpatient care. That’s why Bear Creek Wellness offers extended support through:
- Discharge planning and sober living referrals
- Alumni programs and virtual group check-ins
- Peer mentor partnerships
- Dual diagnosis support and therapy continuity
As one of the top drug rehab centers in Montana, our mission is not only to help clients recover, but to help them build a meaningful, fulfilling life in recovery.
Take the Next Step in Your Journey
Recovery is a lifelong process, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Montana’s growing recovery community—combined with Bear Creek Wellness’ dedicated aftercare support—gives you the tools to stay sober, stay supported, and thrive.
Contact Bear Creek Wellness today to learn more about our post-rehab programs, alumni support, and how we can help you transition successfully into your next chapter.
Sources:
[1] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
[2] https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/national-guidelines-for-behavioral-health-crisis-care-02242020.pdf
[3] https://www.samhsa.gov/brss-tacs/recovery-support-tools/peers
[4] https://dphhs.mt.gov/BHDD/PeerSupportServices
Andrea was born and raised in Spokane Washington, she moved to Montana with her husband in 2015. Andrea has been in the field of counseling since 2009. As a licensed addiction counselor, she worked primarily in addiction until 2018 when she completed her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and became a license clinical professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. Andrea has worked with diverse populations and found her calling working with individuals and couples struggling with substance use and its relational
impact. With a passion for recovery and healing families, Andrea has built a private practice in Missoula, MT and serves various populations. Andrea’s love for people and her desire to engage with, and promote, internal healing has fostered a truly unique role aiding individualized journeys in recovery. In her spare time, she enjoys her beautiful property west of Missoula with nature at her front and back doors. Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her granddaughter and breaking the cycle of addiction in her own family.
