Addiction Treatment Aftercare for Drug And Alcohol Rehab Programs at Lakeview
Individualized aftercare planning
According to the medical establishment and the US government’s National Institute of Drug Abuse, addiction to drugs or alcohol is considered “a disease of the brain.” And like other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, a continuum of care is required for the patient’s stability.
That continuum of care is set out in a comprehensive “aftercare plan” recommended under evidence-based best practices. Aftercare refers to services that help recovering addicts and alcoholics stay sober following treatment. A thoroughly thought out aftercare plan followed diligently by the patient greatly diminishes the likelihood of relapse.
At Lakeview Health Systems, we customize every aftercare plan based on a patient’s unique needs. Living in recovery requires constant monitoring, support, and vigilance. Addiction treatment prepares you for a sober return to your community. An aftercare plan is the road map for a smooth transition.
A patient leaves our addiction treatment facility with a wide-ranging aftercare plan, which needs constant re-evaluation. For example, a patient with two months clean will confront issues in recovery that may differ when the patient has six months clean. A patient that ignores the aftercare plan, or fails to re-evaluate the plan with a case manager at regular intervals, is vulnerable to relapse.
Addiction Aftercare Begins Immediately Upon Leaving Treatment
Our Aftercare Plan offers recommendations on lifestyle changes and preventive maintenance for your newfound sobriety. Just as a diabetic needs to watch their diet and take insulin every day, so does the recovering addict or alcoholic need meetings and a strong support program. This might include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings
- A sober-living house
- Addiction aftercare groups
- Addiction counseling
- Psychiatric services
- Family or couples counseling
- Vocational counseling
- Work or school
- Continued education
- Volunteer work
- Medical appointments
- Physical rehabilitation
- Leisure activities
- Other 12-step meetings: Codependents Anonymous or Adult Children of Alcoholics
Remember the goal of the aftercare plan is to aid the addict’s transition back into his or her family, work, community—life!
A Truly Individualized Aftercare Plan
Since our patients come from all over the country, we work diligently to create a support structure for each patient within his or her own community. Each aftercare plan defines and clearly delineates the standards (the goals and actions) that an addict should follow to continue personal growth and sober living. A case manager helps the patient follow the aftercare plan by addressing concerns as they come up. The goals of the aftercare plan include:
Living Sober
- Handling cravings
- Identifying dangerous situations
- Maintaining abstinence from all substances
- Coping with daily stressors and triggers
Social Relationships
- Having fun without drugs and alcohol
- Making new friends
- Issues of the recovering family
- Using the recovery community for support
- Avoiding active addicts
- Work and growth
Family
- Continue family counseling
- Options for handling crises within the family
- Family members finding outside sources of support from 12-step groups such as Al-Anon or Codependents Anonymous
Work
- Addressing work history, if necessary
- Plan for looking for work, if necessary
- Evaluating the type of work to pursue
- Evaluating the role of continuing education if necessary
If you have any questions about addiction treatment aftercare, addiction, detox, or treatment, our trained Admissions Coordinators are standing by to help you. Call our Addiction Helpline at 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
