If you’re recovering from a substance use disorder, you know relapses are common. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the addiction relapse rate is between 40% and 60%.[1]
Even though relapses are common, they don’t have to be a part of your story. Before you leave an inpatient treatment facility, you’ll go through a discharge planning process. This step sets you up for success by planning out what services and supportive tools you’ll engage in after your residential treatment program ends.
Discharge planning for rehab is another term for aftercare planning. To explain, once you finish residential treatment, you’ll have access to several aftercare services. Examples of aftercare include continued counseling, referrals to outpatient treatment, access to an alumni support group, and more.
Aftercare services keep you connected to recovery, lessening your chances of experiencing a relapse. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we understand the importance of thorough discharge planning. We always offer our clients the aftercare services they need to be successful after inpatient or residential treatment.
When Do You Get to Leave Rehab?
If you are in an addiction treatment program, you might be wondering when you get to leave rehab. Addiction treatment can last anywhere between 30 to 90 days on average. That said, some people stay longer if their therapist does not believe they are ready to tackle sobriety independently.
During rehab, you’ll have to complete medical detox, overcome the root causes of your addiction, learn vital coping mechanisms, and recover from co-occurring mental health conditions. All of these tasks can take some time.
You will be allowed to leave rehab once you have developed the tools and skills you need to remain sober long-term. That said, most people have a treatment plan that their therapist created, which outlines how long the program will take. You’ll likely leave rehab within 90 days of starting the addiction treatment program.
Discharge Planning in Addiction Treatment: What are Aftercare Services?
Discharge planning is a process that involves your treatment team, your family members, and you. Everyone will work together to create an aftercare plan that decreases your chances of relapsing. You might need continued counseling from your treatment center, mental health services, or regular attendance at support groups like 12-step meetings.
Examples of the aftercare services that might be included in your discharge plan include:
Referrals to Other Drug Rehab Programs
Your substance abuse counselor might believe that you need a little extra support after inpatient treatment. If so, they’ll probably refer you to an outpatient drug rehab program. These programs can help ease the transition from an inpatient facility to independent living and make your recovery journey easier.
Outpatient programs are used when people need to continue learning how to stay sober once they complete an inpatient addiction recovery program. You’ll receive services like individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and relapse prevention planning. You’ll commute to treatment sessions 3 to 5 days per week, depending on your needs.
Developing Healthy Coping Skills
Your discharge plan will include services to help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. Because you’ll be experiencing new triggers when you leave an inpatient facility, this is an important part of the recovery process.
Examples of healthy coping skills you might learn include:
- Yoga and meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Art and music therapy
- Massage and acupuncture
- Healthy hobbies like gardening or cooking
- Journaling
- Exercising and eating healthily
- Cultivating new friendships
- Attending therapy and support groups
- Learning how to distract yourself when cravings arise
- And more!
Outpatient Counseling
Your discharge plan might include outpatient counseling at your treatment center. This allows you to continue receiving support and guidance from the therapist who helped you achieve sobriety during your inpatient program.
Counseling is vital to avoiding relapse, as it allows you a safe space to talk about the stressors in your life. Your therapist will help you navigate the new seasons of your recovery journey, like moving out and living on your own, starting a new job, or getting back into a relationship with an intimate partner.
Family Support During the Adjustment Period
Your discharge plan will also include family support. You might be asked to engage in weekly or monthly family therapy sessions to ensure you and your loved ones have the skills necessary to support one another. Your family might be instructed to create rules like having you take random drug tests for your first year of sobriety.
Therapeutic interventions like family therapy make it easier for your loved ones to support you effectively. They’ll learn about the disease of addiction, figure out how to stop enabling you, and become educated on how to support you in your long-term recovery success.
Support Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
When you leave treatment, you’ll need to continue working on recovery skills to improve your everyday life. Support groups are a great way to keep recovery fresh. After completing rehab, you should join a weekly support group like a 12-step meeting.
Attending 12-step meetings like AA or NA also provides you with a community to rely on during tough times. You’ll meet new friends who understand what you are going through and have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with solid advice.
Obtaining Supportive Living Accommodations
Lastly, once you leave treatment, you’ll need a safe and supportive place to live. If you can’t move in with your loved ones, your discharge plan might include a referral to a sober living home. These transitional houses provide you with recovery support and help you with life skills-related issues.
Because recovery is a lifelong process, you need a support system to keep you accountable. Sober living homes can provide this by having you share a home with other people in recovery.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Addiction Recovery Center
If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we can help you develop a support system, recover from the root causes of addiction, and create a positive focus in your life. Once you leave rehab, we will provide you with an in-depth aftercare plan to ensure you maintain long-term sobriety.
Contact us today for more information on our highly-rated addiction treatment center.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery
