“Nobody stays recovered unless the life they have created is more rewarding and satisfying than the one they left behind.” – Anne Fletcher

The day of discharge from an addiction treatment center can be a mixed bag of emotions. I’ve had a few discharges from treatment. The conflicting feelings of fear and excitement can be overwhelming. On one side, I’ve been locked down for some time with minimal outside contact from the world. No talking to friends, no working, no contact with my significant other. It may feel as though the world has passed me by. On the other hand, when running the streets on my own I was making such a mess in life, and there was no evidence to support that it wouldn’t happen again. I was at a real crossroad. So many have been at this crossroads and paved a path to success. Let’s look at the different components of their paths and the reasons why

Halfway Houses: Structure is Important

The structured living is always an excellent idea for many reasons. Even though we may be situated to go straight home its not always the best idea. A halfway can provide what alcoholics and addicts need most: discipline. Working a 12 step program is a practice of daily disciplines combined into a lifestyle. So it makes sense that a place that helps people get their lives together would allow a certain forced discipline until the individual is responsible enough to be self-disciplined. There are many other reasons like peer support, staff encouragement and guidance and the spirit of a like-minded community, which can be a real difference maker.

IOP & PHP: Therapy Can Help

Clinical issues are outside the scope of a sponsor’s ability to be helpful with. Trauma, abuse, sex issues, family dysfunction, and co-occurring disorders are best resolved with professional help. The case management aspect of a responsible treatment program can be critical. Many need help with follow-ups on outside issues like staying medication compliant (if required), medical follow up, and other components of social reintegration. These topics are often addressed in IOP or OP sessions. The Intensive Outpatient program at GateHouse has all these components because the therapy aspect of recovery is crucial.

Therapy & Medical Professionals

Clinical issues are outside the scope of a sponsor’s ability to be helpful with. Trauma, abuse, sex issues, family dysfunction, and co-occurring disorders are best resolved with professional help. The case management aspect of a responsible treatment program can be critical. Many need help with follow-ups on outside issues like staying medication compliant (if required), medical follow up, and other components of social reintegration. These topics are often addressed in IOP or OP sessions. The Intensive Outpatient program at GateHouse has all these components because the therapy aspect of recovery is crucial.

Sponsorship:

Sponsorship is critical. A sponsor has one job and one job only: to bring the new person through the steps. Going to a 12 step fellowship and not working the 12 steps is the same as going to a bar and not ordering a drink, the desired effect will not be produced. We heal one on one, with our sponsor doing the step work, not in the meetings although they are essential.

Combining a safe, clean environment to live in, with some clinical support and case management is one part. Regularly attending fellowship meetings with an answer to alcoholism or addiction is another. Then selecting an individual who has followed their proven path to success and helps the new person do exactly what they were taught. It works, it does.
Some resources on how to find meetings near you are:
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous