After-Care Plan
We would like to think that completing a drug rehab will "fix" the addiction. However, the disease of addiction is incurable, but manageable. It is imperative to have an after-care plan before graduating from treatment. Relapse is a reality no matter how much one thinks they have a handle on their disease and most likely occurs within days of walking out of the facility to years. Most addicts and alcoholics who relapse do so within the first 18 months. Some tools to consider when building your after- care plan is transitional- living, extended treatment, and 12-step programs. Speaking with counselors, therapists, family members and peers with a substantial amount of sobriety can help in learning how to maintain recovery. It is best to build the after-care plan before leaving the facility so the recovering addict can be prepared for certain situations and know how to keep themselves safe.
Transition
Sober/Transitional Living:- A transitional living or sober living house can vary in services, structure, dynamics, and capacity. Generally run by a live-in manager, a structured house usually integrates drug testing, curfews, meetings, and probation periods. Ask a lot of questions when viewing or selecting the sober living; View it as an extension of treatment, as safety should be number one.
Outpatient Care:- This is a great tool for extending the benefits of treatment. Counseling, group and individual therapy, medication management, and drug testing are usually offered. Recovering addicts that don't have the benefit of living in a sober/transitional living are highly recommended to utilize outpatient care to extend their treatment.
Sober Coach/Companion:- An excellent tool for chronic relapsers, vulnerable situations or unstable addicts in early recovery. Companions assist individuals in achieving objectives through exploration of problems and their ramifications, examination of attitudes and feelings, consideration of alternative solutions, and aiding in decision-making. Coaching basically help clients utilize their resources to resolve problems and/or modify behaviors, attitudes and values.
12-Step Programs:- 12-step programs are available for addictive, compulsive, or behavioral problems based on the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. For drug addicts, Narcotics Anonymous meetings are available, as well as specific drug 12-step groups. These programs have proven successful for addicts in recovery. With these programs an addict can find anonymous support and tools from others walking the same path.
After Drug Rehab
Boredom can be an instant trigger for relapse. Since addiction is a disease of the mind, "staying out of one's head" and keeping active are suggested. The old way of living didn't work. Knowing what to do after drug rehab, and how to have fun in sobriety is very important. Sober friends, hobbies, and choices can be fun and ensure a happy healthy way of life.
