Sobriety Without an Aftercare Plan Is A Plan for Disaster
Sobriety Without an Aftercare Plan Is A Plan for Disaster
On Saturday night I had the privilege of speaking at an addiction treatment center. There were both men and women ranging from the ages of nineteen to mid-fifties. What was astonishing was nearly three quarters of the roughly forty patients were there for a second time. As the meeting went on and the patients shared a bit about themselves there was a common theme. All of them that were there for a second time did not follow the relapse prevention plan that was put together for them prior to leaving treatment the first time. The patients all shared that they left the treatment center feeling like they had their addiction under control. With their minds clearing and their bodies feeling better they honestly thought they were going to stay sober. However they all stated that they didn’t go to many meetings or work with a sponsor and made the decision to hang out with their old friends. They didn’t take the recommendations by the therapist and certified addiction professionals that they worked closely with during their first stay in treatment. Failing to follow the relapse prevention put in place is going to make staying sober difficult. Addiction treatment will help clients through a medically supervised detox followed by a treatment plan that includes individual and group therapy. Ever client is presented with an aftercare plan that caters to their specific needs prior to being discharged. If an aftercare plan is not followed the chances of staying sober are slim to none. Addiction is a disease that can easily trick the suffering into thinking that they are able to have a couple drinks or use drugs recreationally without letting things get out of control. The purpose of an aftercare plan is to provide continuing support after treatment is complete. Every quality treatment program will give each of their clients a well thought out and descriptive plan for them to follow in order to maximize their chances of staying sober.
