Enrolling in a competent and well-suited rehabilitation programme can be the right move for someone struggling with a substance use disorder or facing a hard time in their lives.
Completing one is even better, but many experts acknowledge that the process of recovery doesn’t end there.
Choosing to take part in a qualified aftercare programme once a programme is complete can be a strong way to enforce concepts learned throughout rehabilitation care, and have the strongest chance for success moving forward.
Knowing this, it’s good to understand your options and any other overall goals you might have.
Make sure to choose one that you trust, and has continual evaluations to make an accurate assessment. With that in mind, there are actually several factors to consider.
As with most other recovery programmes, the duration is one of a few key factors. It’s important the individual remains committed to their goals and retains the lessons learned during rehab.
There is a strong correlation with the length of time a patient spends on focusing on their recovery, so choosing the proper amount of time in aftercare for each person can be a unique and personal decision.
See that your health provider is prepared to accommodate any assistance you’ll be seeking, taking into consideration the amount of time the patient will need to be successful.
If you are unsure of this, request an assessment by a qualified professional to a thorough and well-thought-out strategy. Don’t hesitate to spend as much time as needed discussing with them the details involved and making sure nothing important is overlooked.
Some different options for how long an aftercare programme should be might look something like this:
Begin asking whether the patient has any co-occurring conditions and include when inquiring about obtaining an assessment from a care provider.
To gain a better sense of what to do after that be sure the patient is properly assessed to determine what therapeutic approach will be most effective.
The right programme should feature clear guidelines that will be obeyed and enforced, allowing the patient to strengthen their ability to lead a lifestyle that’s free from drugs and alcohol.
Every aftercare programme is unique, so evaluate the services offered to see that they correlate with your top priorities. `
Getting to know the various treatment approaches available is a good step in the right direction, and a quality aftercare programme will feature on-going assessments and some form of psychotherapy to care for the patient as they make progress.
This is even more important for situations where the patient has been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and the proper administration of medication is required.
Below, we discuss three types of aftercare programme that commonly follow rehab:
Rather than just considering a traditional aftercare programme, there are many alternatives to keep in mind when taking the right approach.
These other options could include holistic therapy that involves meditation or yoga, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a psychotherapeutic methodology for dealing with on-going thoughts or emotions.
These programmes are called re-entry centres and commonly referred to as “halfway houses”. These facilities may require participants to establish a sense of accountability during their stay.
Residential re-entry programmes can service patients who are mandated to attend by a court of justice or be completely voluntary.
It’s also wise to consider healthy activities that may involve regular exercise, looking after a pet, or spending time reading and furthering educational or training pursuits.
Several different types of sober residencies exist, each with their own set of activities. Adhering to a social model for sober living can be a positive way to learn how to be responsible and making sure everything is in place.
If an individual is spiritual or follows a certain religion, it may be beneficial for them to incorporate their belief-system into their recovery efforts by attending regular services or building a support network.
Always keep in mind that recovery is a process that lasts long after rehabilitation ends, so find ways for the patient to stay engaged with what is taking place around them to make sure they have a firm foundation for sobriety.
Relapses can happen to even the most well-intentioned among us, and if approached correctly, they can be an opportunity for reflection and a reevaluation of the individual’s living circumstances and state of mind.
Don’t forget that options do exist for confronting all of these factors, including those involved with the relapse. Finding a solution may mean a return to an outpatient programme.
Try to assess at what went wrong to make the situation more clearly and find a solution that will help the person correct their mistake.
It’s important to realise the special concerns that a patient who also struggles with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition must face.
Finding ways to release stress is always a worthwhile strategy, and some may decide that regular consultations with a qualified therapist are the right smart approach.
Every patient is unique, so settling up the right approach will always come down to the patient and their professional therapist or counsellor.
The patient should grasp that it was their thinking that led them to abuse drugs or alcohol and returning to these habits will not produce a different outcome.
With this in mind, the subject must be as honest as possible with both themselves and their caregivers to continue working on the ideas and reasons behind why they chose to use substances in the first place.
It’s not uncommon for those who have a substance use disorder to be in a state of denial about their condition or display an unwillingness to change.
These things must be brought into the open and dealt with before finding sound alternatives. Self-discipline can only come through practice and repetition so it’s important that they implement solid routines that facilitate lasting change.
Only proper planning and a steady commitment to stay focused on what matters most will place them on a path that leads to a brighter tomorrow.
Everyone makes mistakes, and we must remember that the individual is only human and must be given the opportunity to grow and keep working on the underlying factors both internally and externally that must be addressed in order to remain sober in the long run.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, we offer high-quality rehabilitation & detoxification services tailored to your individual needs.
To discover your road to recovery, call us today on 0800 140 4690.
