During the rehabilitation process, patients and their loved ones receive important education about drug abuse and addiction. It’s important that both the patient and his or her family understand the patient’s triggers of addiction and have a strategy in place to minimize the chance of relapse post-treatment. In addition to generalized classes, patients and families usually go through family counseling to restore the family relationship and provide the family with information specific to the patient’s case. A supportive, encouraging, and understanding family dynamic plays an important role in a patient’s continued recovery after treatment.
Continued Post-Care Treatment
After completing an inpatient or outpatient program, it’s critical that a patient continues to receive continued post-care treatment. There is no “cure” for addiction – patients will likely struggle with sobriety for the rest of their lives. To discourage relapse, there are several strategies for post-care treatment that have been proven to help keep patients on-track during recovery. Options for post-care treatment may include the following:
Sober Living Homes
Also referred to as halfway houses, sober living homes create a safe environment for patients to start transitioning back into the “real” world after completing their inpatient treatment. Residents of a sober living home must commit to staying sober during their stay and are expected to assist with household chores and abide by strict household rules, including complying with drug testing. During tenure at a sober living home, patients usually start working again, as they are responsible for paying for their own bills.
Sober Living Coach
Sober living coaches and companions offer one-on-one personalized encouragement to patients who need help maintaining sobriety after addiction. While expensive, with rates ranging from $150/hour to over $1000/day, hiring a sober living coach is a proven means of preventing addiction relapse.
Community Support Groups
There are many community groups and 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, that offer incredible support for those trying to stay on track during recovery. These groups meet at regular intervals, normally weekly, and encourage members to share their sobriety struggles and victories in a safe and non-threatening environment. The accountability and comradery fostered by these groups is integral to millions of people across the country maintaining their sobriety.
Ongoing Monitoring
Post-care treatment should include ongoing monitoring where patients are submitted to randomized drug and alcohol testing. It’s also advisable that patients continue meeting with a counselor at regular intervals for continued one-on-one behavioral therapy. Ongoing monitoring keeps patients accountable in their battle for continued sobriety.