The Aftercare Program within APRA is an important component of the overall treatment system responsible for providing services to address the needs of those individuals affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD). In concert with the APRA outpatient and residential treatment programs, the Aftercare Program proposes to provide accessible, supportive services to assist recovering ATOD users in maintaining their sobriety, building healthy lifestyles, develop economic stability and to decrease the likelihood of relapse.

Aftercare Program -- DC Department of Health
2146 24th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20001
Clinic Manager: Deborah Ford, Telephone: (202) 576-7334
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5:30 pm

The Aftercare Program maintains the position that long term sobriety and wellness can only be achieved through extended abstinence. The treatment approach embraces the philosophy that the patients’ culture, values, spirituality, economics, history and social or behavioral patterns all have a significant impact on shaping their lives.

Aftercare patients are encouraged to learn that they have not lost their freedom to use but rather, they have actually gained their freedom from using. This understanding does not come easily to most - it takes considerable time and commitment before a wholly positive lifestyle becomes the fully accepted, permanent component of a patient's life. In this context, APRA offers its clients aftercare so that they will sustain the emotional stability and strong underpinnings needed to face life positively.

APRA offers traditional aftercare as well as spirituality building programs. These programs provide graduates with the emotional and professional support of individuals who understand the very human experience of dependency, failure, relapse, and - finally - the importance of maintaining a positive life.

APRA's aftercare programs work with graduates on an ongoing basis. The consistency of aftercare steers patients towards full sobriety, helping them reach a point where they can learn new skills; take advantage of housing programs; receive medical assistance; secure employment; and enjoy other benefits. APRA seeks to link graduates with other agencies, programs, and groups to help them achieve continuing success and sustained self-confidence. 

Aftercare services include:

• Post-treatment services to maintain abstinence;
• Vocational evaluation and referral for skills training, school, jobs, etc.;
• Relapse prevention;
• Individual, group, and family counseling;
• On-site NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and NarAnon support group meetings;
• New Millennium Spiritual Faith Group

APRA Spiritual Faith Relapse Prevention Groups significantly compliment aftercare services. These meetings are open to the public, with at least one such program every day. Please call (202) 727-9076 for a schedule of meeting locations and times.