Having an extended stay at a hospital or rehab facility can be an incredibly disruptive and disorienting experience. It’s completely normal for a patient to be eager to go home, but before they do, they must have a plan for what will happen next. This plan is called the post-discharge plan, and its purpose is to lower the likelihood that the patient will be readmitted once they leave. Recovering from substance abuse is an ongoing process that doesn’t end as soon as the patient leaves their facility. The more aftercare support they are able to receive, the easier the recovery will be. The post-discharge plan is the first step.
The plan
Coming up with a good post-discharge plan is not something that can be done quickly. Often the patients and their families are left to come up with a plan on their own. At American Treatment Network, we are here to help. An abrupt re-entry into society can be a lot to handle for someone that doesn’t feel ready. Somewhere between 40% and 60% of recovering addicts relapse at some point during their recovery. Relapse is not indicative of failure, but without a good support network, it can be much harder to cope with, making long-term recovery very difficult.
Things to consider
Recovery is a complicated process. That’s why it is important to have a post-discharge plan to keep you focused and provide the support network you will need once you are no longer in the treatment facility. Here are a few things to consider including when making your own post-discharge plan;
Outpatient therapy and counseling
Continuing to go to addiction therapy even after their program is over can be a great help to many patients. While the support of family and friends can be powerful, professional counseling can help the patient to continue to progress in their recovery.
Support groups
Whether it comes from a 12-step program, or from your family members, finding a group of people that you can rely on for support is an effective countermeasure to relapsing. Having a group of closely nit people can help newly discharged patients stay grounded and focus on rebuilding their lives.
Medication supervision
If medication is a part of your recovery process, then medication supervision should be provided for any treatment relating to recovery, even medication for co-occurring disorders. Many post-discharge plans include regular drug tests as well, and some facilities even require them.
Living accommodations
One of the biggest factors when it comes to relapsing is the environment you are in. Leaving rehab and going right back to where you started can put you back in the environment that led to your addiction in the first place. When forming your post-discharge plan, make sure to look for a suitable place to live while you are in recovery.
Coping methods
Returning to normal life after dealing with an addiction can be disorienting and difficult. Learning life skills relating to work, family and finances can help with setting long-term goals. Recreation is good for coping with sobriety and anxiety as well. Finding hobbies and pastimes that speak to your values and interests can help keep your mind off relapse, and in some cases, these hobbies can lead to new and healthy relationships.
American Treatment Network in Newark, DE
If you or someone you know is showing signs of addiction, it may be time to seek help. Here at the American Treatment Network, we work hard to provide immediate access to care for all of our patient’s behavioral and physical needs. We are a treatment facility with locations in Havertown, PA, Newark, DE and Dover, DE that provides an addiction network to recovering addicts struggling with alcohol and opioid abuse. If you want to learn more or schedule an appointment, click the link at the top of the page.
