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ARC, West Los Angeles California
Alcoholism, substance abuse, and drug addiction are treatable conditions. Individuals can live in “remission” from these conditions and go on to lead independent, fulfilling lives. However, one common misconception often held by people suffering from addiction is that treatment concludes upon successful completion of a 30-day drug treatment program. In truth enrolling in and completing a drug treatment program is just the first step on the road to recovery.
Why is Aftercare Important?
- A study conducted by the NIDA determined that 30-day treatment centers were approximately 30-35% successful in treating addictions. The same study found that if clients transitioned from residential care into some form of aftercare for 6 months or more that the success rates increased to 65-70%. (Success was defined by 5 years of continuous recovery) Aftercare for the purposes of this study was defined as: Continued residential services, sober living, outpatient care or individual therapy.
- Most of the contributing factors that have played a role in each individuals addictive process are waiting outside of the drug treatment center, untouched and largely unaffected by the individuals personal progress that has taken place during the treatment process. These elements are waiting in silent accord, knowingly and unknowingly, to derail the newly sober individual from the pathway of recovery.
- Recovery is a process, not an event. Many individuals want to “take on the world” once they complete a drug treatment program. New philosophies, new ideas and new goals all seem completely achievable. However, assembling resources to achieve these goals often takes patience and time. Tasks as simple as filling out job applications, enrolling for a fall semester in college, or greeting old friends and hang-out places can work collectively to discourage individuals in early recovery. This discouragement can build up as the reality of living in the real world settles in. Where before there was excitement for what was possible in recovery it now begins to feel like nothing is working out. Into this disheartening picture a Saturday night arrives that carries loneliness and isolation with it. The week hasn’t worked out as planned. In fact, nothing is working out as planned…in this scenario relapse is imminent.
- What we know about addiction is that it is identified by physiological and psychological dependence. Drug treatment programs work medically to first establish a sober baseline and then clinically to impart coping mechanisms for dealing with the emotional crutch that addiction represents. To accomplish this, treatment centers provide new information about trigger identification and corresponding coping techniques so each individual can successfully navigate through an array of life’s experiences without relying on drugs and alcohol to “carry them through”. But the truth is that these new techniques take practice to successfully implement. Mistakes in the safety of aftercare mean correction. Mistakes in the world without support can mean relapse.
Aftercare with ARC is Comprehensive and Unique
With ARC each client is assigned a primary clinician and a primary substance abuse counselor. The primary clinician designs a personalized treatment plan which is flexible, but also defines specific treatment goals for each client as well as what measures can be implemented to achieve these objectives. During the day-to-day treatment the assigned substance abuse counselor works with clients on their recovery oriented goals while the primary clinician works on identification and resolution of the underlying clinical issues that have contributed to the addictive process.
Near the end of treatment (Usually in the 3rd week) the primary clinician begins to draft an aftercare plan for the client. This plan takes into consideration:
- Legal issues
- Social issues
- Housing needs
- Personal issues
- Financial needs
- 12-step proximity
- Family relationships
- Inter-relational issues
- Physical and psychiatric needs
- Vocational/ Educational issues
- Future accessibility to community resources
- Indications of anticipated problems and suggested means for dealing with them
Input is gathered in formulation of the aftercare plan from ARC staff that has worked with the client: All the physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, experiential therapists, licensed professionals, family therapists and substance abuse counselors contribute to creating a comprehensive, individual aftercare plan.
Once the plan has been drafted, the primary clinician reviews the plan with the client. Recommendations for the future are made and if the client is willing, they are placed in supportive services to address their unique continuing needs.
In circumstances where recovery can come first it is often recommended that clients go on to complete Phase 2 (Continuing Care) and Phase 3 (Extended Care). These programs are designed to meet the continuing clinical and transitional needs of clients as they journey the road to sustained recovery. When continued residential treatment is not an opportunity in which clients are willing to partake, then the primary clinician will offer door-to-door placement in aftercare services by facilitating a phone assessment on behalf of the client and transferring clinical records with the clients consent.
Lifetime of Free Alumni Services for ARC Alumni
If clients are unwilling to take any of the aftercare recommendations they may choose to participate in a lifetime of free alumni services available to all ARC alumni. Alumni services include:
- Weekly alumni meetings
- Crisis lines
- Online recovery chat rooms
These free services help clients “return to home base” and serve to provide a sense of understanding and safety all throughout their recovery process.
Lifetime of Support for Loved Ones
The ARC family program has bi-monthly groups available to loved ones of ARC alumni. These groups are facilitated by licensed therapists and are free to family members for as long as they choose to partake in the process.
If you or someone you know is in need of addiction recovery call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you might have.
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