Aftercare
Aftercare is an essential part of the treatment
process although it is rarely discussed in detail. The rehabilitation
process, which may vary in length, style and kind, is just
the very start of a life journey in recovery. Although all
of the tools and resources necessary are learned in the first
few months of sobriety, applying them on a daily basis in
real life is harder than it seems. The temptations of old
friends, behaviors and places are sometimes haunting if a
person does not have a strong foundation in recovery. Mention
of an aftercare plan can occur even in the very early days
of treatment and help the patient to be aware of triggers
and obsessive thoughts that may come up from time to time.
Recovery is a difficult but rewarding process
and some people have a harder time than others getting and
staying sober. For some the desire to drink or use disappears
very quickly but for others cravings stay for longer periods
of time. In such cases having a solid aftercare plan is essential
to sobriety after treatment.
The aftercare process begins with a conference
between the patient and his/her counselor in which the patient
assesses his/her progress and creates written goals for during
and after treatment. It is suggested that people new in recovery
find a support system in sobriety that includes a close network
of sober friends. For most people this support involves a
12-step program or other fellowship where people can share
common experiences and relate to one another. The aftercare
plan will also include some type of outline for daily living,
including staying on track with household responsibilities
and other obligations.
In many cases of people who have relapsed after
treatment, they comment on boredom being one reason for which
they used again. Aftercare plans provide suggestions and solutions
to combat boredom and make relapse as far away from the mind
as possible. Some patients come from environments in which
using and abusing substances was the way of life, however
in order for them to stay sober they know that they need to
be in a new, healthier environment. In many cases facilities
such as sober livings and halfway houses are ideal since they
provide a certain amount of structure but do not invade a
person’s privacy. These types of facilities also offer
close ties to sobriety related activities and usually hold
house meetings that teach accountability.
At Gulf Coast Recovery we strongly suggest aftercare
as a means of ensuring lasting sobriety. Aftercare plans are
like a type of insurance, meaning that every action taken
to promote sobriety can act as a step away from relapse. If
you or someone you love has a problem with substance abuse
and needs aftercare, please call us and find out how to get
it.
> top of page
SOBER LIVING
Sober Living by the coast provides a tranquil sober living
environment in the state of Florida
> find
out more
LOOKING FOR INTERVENTIONS
Drug Interventions provides nation wide interventions for
families and companies. Visit their site to find out more
about the Intervention process.
> find
out more
|
