June 4, 2018
Creating Long-Term Addiction Treatment Plans For Relapse Prevention
Relapse Prevention

Creating Long-Term Addiction Treatment Plans For Relapse Prevention

Receiving treatment for addiction is a long-term process, requiring a substantial treatment plan. Those suffering from addiction must seek care from rehabilitation facilities, but also maintain long-term relapse prevention strategies. If you or a loved one is looking to receive help for a serious addiction problem, create a plan of care to continue past the initial treatment phase. If you are looking for help establishing a short- and long-term plan of care, contact us at the Intervention Helpline for guidance. We have helped thousands of patients regain and maintain their sobriety.

Serious Addiction Treatment Plans

Individuals suffering from serious addiction problems require long-term care to prevent potential relapse. Addiction issues are deep-rooted in habits and behaviors, requiring continual care. Too often, patients seek treatment from 30- or 90-day rehab programs but don’t plan for intensive care after. Patients will continually need to seek treatment past the initial phase to break the cycle of addiction.

The Process Of Drug And Alcohol Dependency Rehabilitation

Individuals seeking treatment for an addiction will begin treatment with the detoxification process. For those patients with serious addictions, detox takes place at an inpatient facility. Once the detox process finishes, the patient will move on to inpatient or outpatient treatment. This step involves a thorough physical and psychological evaluation. Patients suffering from addictions frequently have a dual-diagnosis of addiction and mental health issues. When a dual-diagnosis is present, the recommendation is for inpatient treatment.

During the initial treatment phase, patients undergo a variety of therapies, which can include individual, group, and behavioral. Many rehabilitation programs offer holistic methods as outlets of expression. Common holistic therapies include equine, art, music, or performing arts. If the patient has a dual- diagnosis, a prescription treatment for psychological health may begin.

Rehabilitation Aftercare Program

Upon completion of the first phase of treatment, patients and families must continue a journey of recovery. The challenges of addiction will remain long after the initial rehabilitation phase. Recovery monitoring is a method for ensuring the maintenance of goals and avoidance of relapse. The program will monitor the patient throughout the process to make sure he or she is responding appropriately to treatment. If there are lapses or changes needed, adjustments can be made to better suit the patient.

Why Relapse Prevention Is So Important

Patients participating in long-term addiction treatment plans have a better chance at successful recovery. Relapse rates are even lower for those patients with monitored long-term care plans. Patients without formal long-term treatment plans can gradually fall back into old habits, prompting relapse. A relapse prevention program will guide the recovery every step of the way, setting incremental goals relative to treatment. Monitored relapse prevention programs allow for patients and families to consistently evaluate their progress to determine which methods are effective. Without monitoring long-term treatment, patients can continue with ineffective treatment, yet never adjust. It’s critical to have individualized, effective care during this stage of recovery.

Long-Term Rehabilitation Plans

Aftercare programs all focus on the prevention of relapse and development of new, healthy habits. There are various forms of treatment available, allowing for personalization by patients and families. It’s important to note that if patients feel a line of treatment isn’t effective, changes can be made along the way. The road to recovery is difficult but the patient should always feel that they are making progress.

Sober Living Options

After the initial rehabilitation treatment, some patients choose to enter sober living facilities. Also known as ‘halfway houses,’ these facilities offer residential living in a drug and alcohol-free environment. Other residents are present, allowing for a strong support base for patients. Some sober living facilities are inpatient, requiring patients to remain on the premises. Other facilities allow for tenants to continue their jobs and normal lives, providing a supportive environment to come home to at night. Rules and philosophies vary by facility.

Addiction Recovery Support Groups

There is an abundance of support groups available, including 12-step programs, secular groups, and other collaborative efforts for social support. Those recovering from addictions can attend the group sessions daily or weekly. Many groups assign members mentors to help guide patients in relapse avoidance.

Addiction Counseling

During recovery, one-on-one or group counseling is a recommendation. If the patient carries a dual diagnosis, counseling becomes more important. Participation in counseling helps patients to learn new behaviors, thought patterns, methods of expression, and coping mechanisms. Learning a new set of life skills is key to avoiding relapse.

Holistic Therapies

Often, patients shun holistic therapies without understanding their intent. These therapies can help patients learn new methods of self-expression, create new interests, and focus on things other than past addictions. Popular methods include yoga, meditation, equine therapy, art, music, and performing arts therapy. These treatments are complementary to other forms of therapy and work with the intent to address destructive behaviors.

Preventing Relapse

The first year of recovery is often the most difficult and should include intense, long-term therapies. Like the initial rehabilitation treatment, there are no one-size-fits-all methods for recovery. Patients and families will work to discover the methods most effective for their circumstances. If relapse does occur, it doesn’t always mean the patient must start at the beginning of treatment. Sometimes, long-term treatment plans are amended to better meet the needs of the patient. Frequent monitoring of the program will allow patients to understand when treatments are ineffective, prompting changes before a relapse occurs.

Finding Help For Long-Term Rehabilitation Planning

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call us at the Intervention Helpline. Our trained case managers will help you and your family with every aspect of recovery, from detox to long-term maintenance programs. We will work as your advocate during the process, helping you to establish goals, maintain sobriety, and design a treatment plan just for you. The Aftercare Program will provide you with ongoing sobriety support and help amend treatment plans when necessary. Call us today to begin planning for your short- and long-term treatment plan.

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Mike Loverde

Mike Loverde is a Certified Intervention Professional with more than 10 years of experience, and he is the founder and president of Intervention Helpline. He believes in taking a family-first approach to every intervention, and he created Intervention Helpline with the primary purpose of saving each family’s loved one before it is too late.

Furthermore, he is the primary writer for the Intervention Helpline Blog. He is always eager to share his insight and expertise on interventions, addiction treatment programs, rehab insurance coverage, relapse prevention and many other related topics.

Read the latest blog articles from the desk of Mike Loverde here, and don’t hesitate to contact if you have any questions or need intervention help now.

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