Aftercare and a Drug Treatment Program

Once a person has gone through all the stages of the drug treatment program in substance abuse treatment and is ready to transition back to the ‘real world’, aftercare is like a kind of insurance on newfound sobriety. Before a person leaves either an inpatient addiction treatment program or an outpatient addiction treatment program, the counselor will most likely encourage him/her to set recovery and life goals. By creating this type of plan this newly sober person will have continued motivation and points on which they must focus during their transition. Planning for aftercare will also involve a renewed interest in relapse prevention and what to do in situations when a person wants to use or drink again.

In many cases patients have had ‘home visits’ or ‘passes’ during substance abuse treatment on which they would have attended 12-step meetings or sought out other forms of support. Drug treatment programs often suggest that patients get phone numbers of other sober people so that when they feel like drinking or using they have people who they can contact. While in drug addiction treatment, the individual’s counselor will usually suggest writing an aftercare plan consisting of a sober plan of action and goals for early sobriety. The plan will also address triggers for using such as going to bars or places where old friends hang out, and it will also have reminders as to what activities are centering or helpful to remain serene within a chaotic environment.

Drug Addiction Rehab

A well thought out aftercare plan is essential for initial success after a drug treatment program or drug addiction rehab. A newly sober person is at a great advantage when he/she understands the risks and problems involved in recovery. Drug addiction rehab counselors and other staff members work closely with each patient to make sure that the best aftercare plan is created. Drug treatment program counselors often draw from their own experiences and also suggest that patients ask people who have already left drug addiction rehab and are continuing a sober lifestyle how they achieved their goals. A drug addiction rehab is dedicated to providing quality care both during and after substance abuse treatment and maintains contact with many patients after their stay is completed.