Recovery is not an isolated experience that solely encompasses inpatient treatment. It is a long-term, sustained commitment to a life free of substance use. Continuing care beyond inpatient treatment can look like many different things depending on an individual’s unique needs. But one thing is for certain: working with a trusted provider to develop a customized continuing care plan is integral to a sustained, long-term recovery.

Recovery is a process of change that requires an individual to address their health, wellness and independence. According to Soberlink, there are four primary dimensions that support a sustained recovery:

  1. Health: Health is the first dimension. It is crucial to make informed, healthy choices to support your physical and emotional wellness. Physical and emotional health are interconnected, and maintaining each can contribute to preventing someone from a relapse.
  2. Home: Home is the second realm of focus. For a long-term, sustained recovery, it is crucial to have a safe, comfortable environment to live in. Consider both the physical space itself as well as the individuals that inhabit that space. Ask yourself—are these people going to support my commitment to sobriety and my emotional health?
  3. Purpose: Purpose is the third element to focus on. Engaging in meaningful, everyday activities is important. Being independent, earning a stable income, and accruing life skills are all key components of maintaining sobriety.
  4. Community: Community is the final dimension of recovery. Having relationships and social networks that provide you with love, friendship, and hope for the future is critical in long-term recovery. New communities can look like different things for different people—support groups, faith-based organizations, hobbies, sports, the arts. Wherever you find community, ensure that the people you surround yourself with are encouraging you to be your best self.

At LaurelCare, we focus on these four domains to ensure a holistic, comprehensive recovery journey for each of our unique clients.

There are a variety of continuing care options after detox and rehab that are important to familiarize yourself with when planning for continuing care. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, these include partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient (iop), individual therapy, medication management & pharmacotherapies, op group therapy, transitional living/sober living, case management, and family therapy.

Different evidence-based behavioral therapies are also a great option for certain people. These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management, Community Reinforcement, Motivational Reinforcement, the Matrix Model, 12-Step Facilitation, and Family Behavior Therapy (FBT).

Sober Living can be an important part of the recovery journey for certain people. For some individuals, going back to their home environment may not be safe or conducive to sustaining long-term recovery, and sober living is of tremendous value. Sober living provides a supportive environment with other individuals working towards a similar goal. It can also offer structure, support, and resources to learn important life skills necessary to live a meaningful life free of substance. Sober living in combination with outpatient treatment and support groups can be an effective, integrative plan for someone after inpatient treatment.

There is no single option that is the answer to every individual’s needs. At LaurelCare, we recognize that each person is unique, and our clinical and therapeutic experts work with each client to develop a customized continuing care plan.