Aftercare Begins While in Rehab
Back to the document's frontpageThe initial basis of an aftercare plan begins while the recovering addict still remains in residential treatment. The first days and weeks of release are the period of greatest risk for relapse, and while rehab is considered a transitional period, part of this transition is the development of an effective and comprehensive plan of action for release.
Recovering addicts leaving as facility need to have a recovery plan at the ready with locations of meetings, sober environments and phone numbers of sober people and councilors on hand, and must have a comprehensive plan of action that includes how best to fill free time and when to attend after care meetings and other support based organizations.
Longer term planning for release should include the continuing participation in aftercare therapy, the plan for employment and housing, safe recreational activities and relationship planning, including an awareness of those relationships that need to be severed as they present too great a risk of relapse.
Without a comprehensive plan of action and schedule of activities, both therapeutic and otherwise, the initial period of release is far too dangerous, and relapse is unacceptably likely.
