We believe an important part of our treatment programs is making sure that we support an individual’s continued sobriety. According to the medical establishment and the U.S. Governments 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 patients stability. Providing supportive recovery services, including aftercare, is a vital part of recovery at every level of treatment. Our program provides continuing services for persons who have completed a higher level of substance abuse treatment, such as residential, partial hospitalization/day treatment, intensive outpatient or traditional outpatient programs. Our group sessions are facilitated by trained counselors and help provide the individual in recovery the social support system(s) essential to reinforce a healthy living environment.
Activities included in our supportive recovery services include applying new skills and tools learned in treatment, continuing education about addiction and relapse prevention and participation in daily activities that were adversely affected during the individual’s substance abuse. New directional goals such as vocational education or rebuilding relationships are often priorities. An essential component of our program includes an expectation that the individual will participate in a 12 Step program of recovery. See our Calendar page for a schedule of available 12 step programs and support groups available at one of our DACCO locations.
Our aftercare programs are designed to help individuals in recovery develop new skills and typically last 4-6 months after successful completion of treatment. A plan is developed specifically for each individuals unique needs and goals. Each plan defines the goals and actions that each individual should follow to continue personal growth and sober living.
The goals of the 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
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
Relapse prevention and counseling are designed to complement prior treatment. Should relapse occur, the individuals and their counselor devise a plan to address relapse prevention for the future. Relapse prevention issues are of key importance in helping persons served recognize triggers and warning signs of relapse. The focus is on identifying and finding alternative activities for relapse triggers.
In addition to our aftercare programming alumni of our programs support and remain involved in sponsored activities years after treatment. Members of our Alumni program are dedicated to supporting those who have begun the journey of recovery, as well as their families. If you have any questions or just need someone to guide you along the way, please feel free to contact us at any time!
Living in recovery requires constant monitoring, support, and vigilance. We believe that while treatment prepares an individual for a sober return to the community our supportive recovery services provide the road map for a smooth transition.