After the initial addiction treatment process, many people will fall back into old patterns and potentially relapse. This is especially true for those who don’t have a solid plan of action in place. To ensure post-treatment success, it’s important to create a solid support structure.
The Treatment and Recovery Process
Treatment is only the first part of the addiction recovery process. As stated in a publication titled A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the primary goal of treatment for most patients is “attainment and maintenance of abstinence.”
For some, numerous attempts at treatment are necessary before they can move on to the next part of recovery. Psychiatric care, behavioral health therapies, structured recovery programs, medication, and holistic remedies can all help you find post-treatment success.
Post-Treatment Success: How to Avoid Relapse
Post-treatment success often depends on how well you can adjust after the first stage of stabilization. After treatment, the main goals include adjusting to daily life and relapse prevention.
Relapse Statistics
Relapse is a very real part of the addiction recovery journey. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for substance use disorder (SUD) can fall between 40 and 60%. In other words, that’s about half of all individuals who decide to undergo treatment.
Relapse can happen for several reasons, including exposure to triggers, stress, trauma, and boredom. Many individuals without jobs, careers, or familial responsibilities may feel like they lack purpose in life. Relapse can become a very real scenario if someone doesn’t have direction, structure, and purpose.
Stages of Relapse Prevention
According to the publication Addiction Relapse Prevention by authors Guenzel and McChargue, relapse prevention strategies are necessary for maintaining recovery post-treatment. Relapse prevention can allow time for the brain to “resume normal functioning that can lay the foundations for long-term success.” These authors mention that relapse prevention usually happens in three stages:
- Emotional stage: Learning to love yourself again, creating self-care practices, and navigating your triggers are incredibly important during this first stage.
- Mental stage: This stage is when you learn how to recognize and avoid triggers, and you also begin to create realistic goals.
- Physical stage: This stage often comes when you’re in a high-risk situation, like a party where everyone is drinking. It’s important to have the right support to help you avoid these situations and stay on the right track.
Post-Treatment Success: Structure and Support
The most important component of post-treatment success is having structure and a strong support network to see you through. For best results, a recovery program, like those at The Guest House, can guide you each step of the way.
Finding Structure for Post-Treatment Success
After treatment, daily life is going to look a lot different than it did while you were in active addiction. A lot of your time may have been devoted to substances as well as other people who used substances. Without a solid structure in place, you may find yourself falling back into those same patterns.
A quality recovery program will provide structure to your days. Both residential and outpatient programs will have a set schedule that will occupy your time. This schedule will also help you establish a regular routine.
Enlisting Support for Post-Treatment Success
Having a strong support network is crucial after treatment. Recovery programs will provide you with support in the form of staff, clinicians, and peers who are on a similar journey. You can also choose to spend your time with friends and family who have your best interests at heart.
It’s also important to create healthy boundaries around people who may enable or trigger you. Always remember that your recovery journey is your own. You have every right to leave people out of your network if they can’t give you the support you need.
Post-Treatment Success at The Guest House
Extensive research over the years has shown recovery programs to provide the best opportunity for success after treatment. At The Guest House, we will provide you with the structure and support you need every step of the way. The support provided at each stage is explained below.
Our Residential Program
We understand that every person comes to recovery with a different background and different needs. At The Guest House, we offer a variety of therapies in different program formats so you can choose the methods that suit you best.
Our residential program is intensive, structured, and effective. You will find hours of daily programming, enjoyable activities, and holistic healing therapies that enrich your mind, body, and spirit. Residing on our beautiful 52-acre estate on a full-time basis will help you stay focused on your goals and maintain abstinence throughout your stay.
Outpatient Recovery Options
We also offer outpatient programs that are perfect if you have responsibilities that prevent you from receiving around-the-clock treatment. Residential clients can also continue on an outpatient basis after they’ve completed their program.
Outpatient recovery programs, like our day/night outpatient program, also include intensive daily schedules and strong support networks. You’ll be able to hone your new skills and create a healthy balance between your personal life and recovery.
Alumni Program Options for Lasting Post-Treatment Success
Recovery doesn’t end after you’ve completed your post-treatment program. Having the support of others is crucial as you learn how to readjust to life sober. The Guest House utilizes a strong peer support network along with an alumni program to help you stay on track.
The alumni program will provide you with the unconditional love and support you need to continue moving forward. Instead of dealing with the stigma surrounding addiction, you can lean on judgment-free peers who truly understand your journey.
Post-treatment success is possible when you have the right tools and support. At The Guest House, you will find everything you need for a lasting recovery.
Treatment is just the first step of the addiction recovery journey. In order to find post-treatment success, it’s crucial to have structure and support. The Guest House is here to provide you with daily structure and a strong support network that will guide you through your journey. After treatment, our residential and outpatient programs will help you gain the confidence you need to re-enter daily life while maintaining abstinence. Then, you will have the support of our vast alumni network to help you through the next steps in your recovery journey. At The Guest House you will never have to do it on your own. For more information, call us today at (855) 483-7800.