After Treatment: A Comprehensive Discharge Treatment Plan

With consistent treatment and a good rehabilitation plan, long-term recovery is possible. While taking that first step to recovery is a tremendously courageous feat, treatment does not end upon discharge. Relapse is always a possibility if you do not continuously treat the chronic disease of alcoholism and addiction. It is essential to have a comprehensive discharge treatment plan to ensure that you get the consistent care, love, and support you need, for as long as you need it.

Here Are a 11 Major Factors a Good Comprehensive Discharge Treatment Plan Must Address

1. Ensuring Continued Support Through 12-Step Meetings

Attending 12 step meetings at least twice a week can be beneficial, especially in the first year after treatment. This is a great way to get community support from people who’ve shared similar struggles.

It can also serve as a consistent reminder of how far you come, and motivate you to go even further.

2. Cooperating with Screening Requests

Taking randomized urine tests or drug tests throughout the year is also a good way to help you stay accountable and monitor your progress. This is especially important if you are employed. Ensuring transparency with those you work with can help you go a long way on your journey to recovery.

3. Service Commitment

Committing to giving back is a very fulfilling way of ensuring consistency and purpose. Although volunteering for a cause you stand behind is noble, it’s not the service that will really help you stay sober. Working with another alcoholic is one of the best ways to ensure sobriety. Going to a hospital or institution to “carry the message” works for most alcoholics and addicts when nothing else does.

4. Paying Attention to Social & Physical Wellness

After in-patient therapy, it is essential to maintain social and physical health. Exercising, going for walks, and incorporating more healthy movement is good for your physical as well as mental health.

Additionally, do not ignore your social well-being, either. Embrace adventure, do what you enjoy, and do it with people you enjoy being around.

Continue engaging with your family and friends, but at the same time do be mindful of who you hang out with.

At this stage in your recovery, it is beneficial to avoid friends who may indulge in the behaviors you’re trying to avoid. However, developing newer, healthier friendships is highly encouraged. Finding people who respect your boundaries and have your best interest at heart is good for you.

5. Communication with All Medical Professionals

Keep communication open and transparent with all of the medical professionals you engage with. Whether it’s your dentist, a surgeon, or a dietician, being open about your recovery will only facilitate better treatment on all fronts.

Being on a path to recovery is nothing to be ashamed about. A good medical practitioner will continue to treat you with the empathy that you deserve.

6. Consistent Therapy

After discharge, we do encourage you to seek consistent therapy. Be in touch with your treatment team and keep them updated with your improvements and struggles. Additionally, do not neglect other mental illnesses you might be living with.

Talk to your psychiatrist about medication, work through difficult thoughts with a good therapist, and make sure your feelings are addressed and heard. Talk to your sponsor. Having a safe space to come to when things get difficult is essential for anyone recovering from an addiction and goes a long way in preventing relapse.

7. Communication with Family

If you have a good relationship with your family members, keep in touch during this difficult time. It is helpful to have a strong network of support that you can rely on.

Try and check in with them every week, and if your relationship allows it, be open with them about your recovery. However, if you feel like you are not comfortable disclosing something to them, it’s best to discuss it with the professionals you have in your life who help you work through problems. Talk to your sponsor about it, too.

8. Living with a Sober Roommate

If you are not in an aftercare program or extended care, being exposed to things you’re trying to avoid is not helpful, nor healthy. That’s why having a sober roommate is a great idea for anyone who’s in addiction recovery.

It’ll keep you grounded and focused on recovery without having to worry about living with unnecessary temptation.

9. Financial Transparency

Create a budget and stick to it. This will help you spend on the things that you need without indulging in unhealthy purchases. Try and maintain some transparency around your finances to hold yourself accountable.

10. Explore Employment Options

It’s also a good time to explore your career and employment options. Of course, there’s no need to rush this process, but even a simple part-time job can be a great way to get back some normalcy in your life.

If you’re not ready to work, taking an online course, or learning a new skill is also incredibly helpful to your recovery and personal growth. Find something you like that encourages you to take responsibility and keeps you engaged.

11. Law Abidance

Finally, do your best to abide by the law and stay out of legal troubles. Whether these are rules within the organization you work for or the apartment complex you live in, it is essential to finding your place and reintegrating within the community.

If you struggle with any unhealthy thoughts concerning this, be sure to bring it up with your therapist. Together, you can work through your struggles and find a better way to cope.

Getting Extra Help

Staying accountable and having structure is difficult to do alone. If you need an extended care options after short-term treatment, call our admissions line, we can help you find a program that fits your needs.