Going through detox is the first step towards recovery from a substance use disorder. When a patient is in an inpatient detox center, they have the full support of those around them, and they are in a secure environment where there are no temptations to engage in substance use. However, the time will come that your patient will have to leave the security of the facility and go back into the world. It’s then that they will have to make the decision each day to turn down any urges they may have to use substances and continue to prioritize their sobriety. A patient can’t simply be thrown into their new life without any preparation or aftercare plans. Thus, it is very important to set your clients up for outpatient care to ensure that they have the highest chance of maintaining lifelong sobriety.
The Importance of Outpatient Care After Detox
Each individual will experience high points and low points during recovery. They may initially find themselves very comfortable in their recovery and go a long time without temptation, only for an upsetting event in their life to threaten everything they have carefully built. To withstand this, the individual must be prepared for when these low points come and know what steps to take to prevent a relapse. When they have a strong support system around them, know what resources are available to them, and continue to take part in continual treatment, relapse is more likely to be avoided.
Prepare an Aftercare Planning Guide
Before a patient leaves your facility, it is important for them to sit down with a therapist to come up with an aftercare planning guide. During this process, every step that a patient should take to maintain their recovery will be carefully outlined. Details such as what vitamins and supplements they should be taking, when and where they should be attending therapy sessions, and what support group is right for them will be determined. This may involve connecting them with specific addiction specialists or 12-step groups that are local to them. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for the patient to continue with treatment.
Depending on the individual, additional details may need to be worked out as well. For example, the following questions may need to be answered:
- Does the individual have proper housing, or does a living situation need to be arranged for them?
- Are they financially stable, or do they need to be put in connection with an organization that can help them with their basic needs until they are back on their feet again?
- Do they have employment to return to following treatment, or should they be connected with a career advisor that can help provide them with a lead?
- Do they have a mental health condition that they need medication for, and do they know how to go about obtaining it and taking it properly?
- Do they have a support system around them or people that they can turn to when they are struggling?
- Do they understand the importance of keeping up with long-term care?
Ensure That the Patient Is Aware of Long-Term Treatment Options
While every patient should be sure to continue to go to therapy or attend support group meetings, there are additional types of therapy available that they may consider trying out as well. Some examples include:
- Yoga and Mindfulness Therapy
- Equine Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Biofeedback/Neurofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Nutrition Therapy
These additional forms of therapy are not meant to replace traditional therapy methods, but instead meant to complement them and offer the patient additional resources that they can access as they learn how to navigate recovery.
Help the Patient Get To the Bottom of Why They Chose to Engage in Substance Use
To get to the root of a patient’s addiction, it is important to help them narrow down why they felt the need to engage in substance use in the first place. For some people, their addiction can be easily traced to something specific that happened in their lives. Some examples include:
- The loss of a loved one
- Experiencing a traumatic event
- Losing a job
- Experiencing financial struggle
- Going through a divorce
- Being the victim of abuse or bullying
However, other people might not be sure where or why their substance use problem originated. Through therapy sessions, patients can begin to work through their emotions, address root issues, and begin the process of healing. In many cases, addiction can be the result of an undiagnosed mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. Once the problem is recognized, the patient can start to receive the individualized treatment they need.
Leaving the supportive and secure environment of a treatment facility after going through detox can be very daunting for someone who is in recovery, especially during the early stages recovery. Without a team of doctors and counselors surrounding them on a regular basis, they may feel intimidated by the outside world and the many triggers it may present. This is why it is extremely important for treatment facilities to set their patients up for success by helping them to prepare for continued treatment. This involves coming up with an aftercare planning guide, ensuring that the patient knows their options for long-term treatment, and helping them to understand the root cause that led them to engage in substance use in the first place. If you are currently struggling with an alcohol or drug use problem, our team at Dream Recovery can help. Call (949) 732-1960 to learn more about the services we provide.