Continuing Care | Important to Addiction Recovery
Continuing care must be a part of addiction recovery. Why? It’s the third phase of the disease treatment model, and addiction is a disease. How? By its simplest definition, a disease is something that changes cells in a negative way. Addiction changes cells in the brain, which is what makes addiction a chronic, often relapsing brain disease.
I listened to this news clip on NPR’s Morning Edition program this morning, “Milwaukee’s VA Hospital Cuts in-Patient Stays,” and wanted to share information on “After Care, aka Extended Care or Continuing Care” – the phase of treatment that follows rehabilitation (which follows detox/stabilization).
Like other chronic diseases, addiction is not “cured” in 28 days or even three months. It is a brain disease, and as such, it takes time to heal the brain when substance use is stopped.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), effective addiction treatment should follow a disease management approach and include: 1) detox/stabilization, 2) rehabilitation (rehab), and 3) continuing care. Often, people engage in a combination of treatment options during rehab (phase #2), but it is important they continue these in order to “re-wire” / heal their brain. This is referred to as “being in recovery.” Some recovery options include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications to curb cravings, a 12-step program, mindfulness programs (for example, yoga), spiritual and/or religious programs or activities, healthy nutrition, exercise, group meetings, counseling, intensive outpatient (the person does not live at the treatment center but attends treatment programs at the center during the day and/or evening), and residential treatment (the person lives at the treatment center). And, please know, that if there is a dual diagnosis, treatment must also include treatment of the mental illness.
To better understand the importance of continuing care, read “28-Day Residential Treatment – What More Could You Want?” To help with continuing care, some families are electing to engage the services of an expert to develop what is known as a Continuing Care Plan.
For more information on continuing care (phase #3 of the disease treatment model), check out BreakingTheCycles.com’s Continuing Care Plan services. Note: this will take you to another page on the BTC site.
Lisa Frederiksen
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Hi Lisa,
It is clear from my families’ experience that 30 to 60 days is too short of a time period, especially for someone in their teens or twenties to change a lifestyle. There is too much pressure to revert back to old bad habits. A sober living environment for six months to a year or longer can make the difference on whether a person reaches long term recovery or not. Time and support is needed to internalize the new information, gain self confidence and feel the strength needed to live with their sobriety. It’s challenging for all involved. Continuing care is an essential piece of the recovery puzzle.
You are so right, Cathy! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.