Completing addiction treatment is the first step in what is a lifelong journey in recovery.
Completing addiction treatment is the first step in what is a lifelong journey in recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the proper tools and relapse doesn’t always have to be part of the process. So, what happens after a person completes an addiction treatment program? Banyan Treatment Centers is here to provide expert insight as to the next steps for early recovery.
While detox, residential, and partial hospitalization addiction programs play an integral role in building a foundation for successful recovery, aftercare and continued support are crucial to maintaining long-term sobriety. There are many aspects of life in early recovery that are important- here are just a few:
- Continued care. Continued care, often an Intensive Outpatient, or IOP, program is a way for individuals in early recovery to continue receiving therapeutic services and support as they either return home and to employment, or look for jobs within the community. These programs provide flexibility so that those in early recovery are able to continue developing the coping skills and tools they gained at a higher level of care with a therapist, while having more freedom as they reintegrate back into the community. Banyan Treatment Centers offers continued care in each state that we have facilities, providing our patients with a seamless transition between levels of care. Should a patient return home, our case management and discharge planning team is able to connect each individual with resources in their immediate area of residence.
- Alumni & Family Services. Banyan Treatment Centers has a nationwide network of alumni services for recovery and we provide former patients with continued support, no matter where they may go post-discharge. Our Alumni department maintains contact with each and every patient who comes through our doors via regular phone calls, alumni meetings, and regularly scheduled events and activities. This enables former patients the ability to stay connected to others in early recovery and gain support from the community. Additionally, Banyan’s Family Services recovery program maintains contact with patients’ loved ones for one year after discharge, providing guidance, support, and coaching for the entire family unit.
- Find a Recovery Support Group. A good step in early recovery is to find support. There are countless recovery support groups that are available to those in sobriety all over the country. Examples include 12 Step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, and many more. Alternatives to 12 Step support groups include SMART Recovery meetings, Refuge Recovery and LifeRing. No matter what route an individual chooses to take, we encourage them to find a recovery group that best works for them.
- Building a network of supportive individuals. It is important during the steps of early recovery for people to surround themselves with healthy, supportive individuals. Building a support network of family members, sober friends, members from a religious congregation, and anyone else who supports long-term recovery is the key to success. Individuals in early recovery need to have a network of people around them they can feel safe turning to when they are having a hard time; people who will listen but not judge. Staying away from people and places a person used drugs or alcohol with is the most important of all.
Recovery from addiction is not a one-step process and requires continued action after completion of treatment. Long-term sobriety is possible if individuals take the correct steps post-discharge. Banyan Treatment Centers’ programs are here to help make life in early recovery a little easier, increasing the rates of patient success.
Call us today at 888-280-4763 to get started on your recovery journey.
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