Aftercare program options for individuals struggling with addiction
Addiction is a devastating brain disease that renders the user unable to make sound decisions. The addiction takes control of the individual. Loved ones are helpless as to how to help the addict. The only way the individual can get the help they need is if they admit to an addiction problem. Once the individual accepts help, they can begin their recovery. During rehab, not only will the addict receive detoxification treatment, they will also learn coping techniques to help them once there are discharged from the center. Another thing that addicts work on with their addiction specialists is aftercare treatment options. Just like rehab programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, the aftercare treatment options can also be tailored to meet the needs of the individual so that they can maintain their sobriety. There are several aftercare treatment options that individuals fresh out of rehab can consider in order to stay clean and sober. These treatment options include: 1. Counseling Just like in rehab, counseling is absolutely essential in maintaining sobriety. It is actually a primary component of treatment. Aftercare counseling can help recovering addicts cope with triggers and stress. There are many counselors that offer spiritual-based therapies. Some counselors may implement principles according to Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and many others. There are a great deal of counselors that introduce meditation exercises to help individuals with anxiety and depression. Counseling can come in many forms: individual, group, and family counseling. During individual counseling, the counselor and addict can try to identify the reasons behind the addiction. Group counseling can be a good experience for any individual. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have helped individuals relate to those in similar situations. Family counseling can help families come together and mend the broken fences in their relationships.
2. Relapse Prevention One of the unfortunate realities of addiction is the possibility of relapse. During rehab, preventing relapse is one of the top priorities. This does not end once the addict is discharged from rehab. Relapse prevention is an important component in the addict's aftercare treatment. In 1985, Alan Marlatt introduced an approach to preventing relapse that many drug rehab programs still use today. It recognizes four different aspects of psychosocial processes that can affect drug addiction and relapse. Attributions of causality: This is a belief that a relapse is due to internal circumstances. In this process, there is a belief that exceptions to sobriety can be permissible circumstances that a patient may consider to be out of the ordinary. Decision-making processes: this approach consists of many decisions that an individual makes that result in them using drugs and/or alcohol. Outcome expectancies: This deals with the patient's expectations in regard to the psychoactive effects of an addictive substance. Self-efficacy: This deals with an individual's ability to cope with situations that may present a risk to relapse. Contact your local drug addiction center for more information on aftercare programs.
References Recovery (2015) What Can Extended Drug Recovery Programs Offer Post-Rehab? http://www.drugaddictsupport.com