Importance of an Exit Strategy After Treatment
Do you Have an Exit Plan for After Rehabilitation Treatment?
An exit strategy, also known as discharge planning, is the steps you will take immediately after completing treatment at a rehabilitation center. Whether you chose an inpatient residential program, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient, outlining an exit strategy after treatment is crucial. Having a plan in place not only keeps you focused on your goal of long-term sobriety, but it can prevent relapse. Recovery is a long process and treatment is just the first step on your journey. Continued care and support are crucial whether it is your first day out of rehabilitation or 90th day. Silver Linings Recovery Center highlights both the importance of having a discharge plan, as well as outlines a simple 3-step example as a reference.
3-Step Treatment Exit Strategy Plan to Avoid Relapse
Create After Care Plan: An exit care plan should be created when you are clean, sober and in the right frame of mind. You can begin planning right after detox or within your first few weeks, whenever you feel most comfortable. The most important part is to discuss the strategy with your clinical team, family members and support staff to provide advice, recommendations and keep you accountable.
Minimum 90 Days in Monitored Environment: Time again we see residents relapse after completing treatment because they return to the toxic, triggering environment that led to their addiction. We highly encourage you to include a sober living house or similar environment in your post treatment exit strategy. Further, the location of your monitored, sober housing situation should not be in the town you previously lived in to guarantee you don’t run into old drugging friends or fall back into old habits.
Work the Program: Outside support from groups like AA, NA and SMART Recovery, as well as your sponsor are crucial to preventing relapse and keeping you on the path of long-term sobriety. It is imperative that you work your 12-step program, select and sponsor and attend meetings regularly.
Rehabilitation Discharge Process
Set yourself up for success by creating a post-treatment plan. If you’re not sure what your next steps should be, the friendly staff members of your rehabilitation center will be happy to help and provide referrals for sponsors, meetings and sober living housing. Following a carefully prepared discharge plan helps minimize your chance of relapse, especially in this vulnerable, early stage of sobriety & recovery.
If you or someone you know needs treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, call Silver Linings Recovery Center today. Help is Waiting: 1-855-960-3769.
