Attending and completing a rehabilitation programme for addiction requires huge amounts of courage and commitment. For many people, and their loved ones, this is a life changing experience that creates the foundation for a future free from the devastation of active addiction. The hard work does not stop when the rehabilitation programme is completed, however, and for this reason it is often better to think about the completion of rehab as a case of ‘mission accepted’ rather than ‘mission accomplished’.
In order to maintain the progress made during rehab it is crucial to implement the knowledge and strategies that have been acquired into home life. Most people find that the transition from rehab to home life presents a range of challenges, including rebuilding relationships that may have been harmed by active addiction; creating structure and routine through work, education and other meaningful activity; and connecting with a local fellowship network. These challenges, and more, all arise at a time when the person may be continuing to experience the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. It is partly for these reasons that relapse rates are substantial, even after the successful completion of rehab.
Whilst it is essential that the person leaving rehab takes overall responsibility to integrate the principles of recovery into their own life, treatment centres also have a role to play in encouraging continued recovery. The stage of support that is provided following an initial episode of more intensive care is referred to as continuing care. Continuing care can take many forms and may include clinic-based follow up appointments, telephone calls, ongoing psychotherapy and the provision of sober living accommodation. In a 2010 study exploring the effectiveness of continuing care, McKay concluded that there is convincing evidence that continuing care can be effective in sustaining the positive effects of the initial stage of care*.
If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for addiction, it will be important to ask about the continuing care support that is provided following the completion of treatment. At Bali Beginnings we provide free, weekly continuing care to all of our clients for as long as they need. This is provided in the form of a weekly, online group that allows our past clients to connect with each other and to stay connected with our staff team. It allows our clients to share their success stories as well as the challenges they have encountered, and has been particularly well received by those from more rural areas with less of a recovery community. In addition to the continuing care group, we also support our clients to create a continuing care plan prior to the completion of treatment and we help them to organise ongoing psychotherapy or other forms of support as required. Bali Beginnings also offers the option to join our sober living accommodation in Bali and attend our top-up programme whenever needed. To find out more please get in touch with us at Bali Beginnings at info@rehabbali.com.
*McKay, R. (2010). Continuing Care Research: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Going. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), pp. 131-145[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
