Sustaining recovery can be difficult, that’s no secret. While multiple factors can determine the health of a person’s recovery, there are ways to be set up for success. One of those ways is through case management and aftercare planning.
Why Are Case Management and Aftercare Planning Important?
At Sage Recovery, we incorporate case management and aftercare planning into the treatment process from the very beginning. This empowers and equips the client to feel more prepared with the necessary tools because the client has practiced them long before leaving treatment.
Just as you wouldn’t take a toddler’s training wheels off before they’re fully ready to ride a bike, we don’t throw our clients out into the world without the proper training. We want our clients to be as prepared as possible, so they can be as healthy as possible. The hope is that the more the client can practice healthy coping skills given to them during treatment, the easier it will be to continue after treatment has ended.
What Does Case Management Look Like?
Preparing clients for life after treatment requires planning ahead. Each individual’s aftercare treatment plan will meet their unique set of needs and goals. This is where case management is vital to the recovery process.
It is typical for someone in recovery to have a care team that helps to accurately monitor the client’s progress. Once treatment is completed, the number of people and types of specialists in a care team will vary based on the client’s case management needs. A care team can be comprised of multiple types of professionals, including:
- Case manager
- Social workers
- Addiction counselors
- Behavioral therapists
- Health care providers
The purpose of having a care team is to ensure that the client is being cared for wholly and completely. A case manager will take the lead in watching the progress. The client’s desired outcome should be closely monitored to ensure that the client is continuing down the desired path. By caring for the whole person, instead of just substance use, they have a much higher chance of having a healthy recovery.
Holistic Health in Aftercare Planning
When considering aftercare, it’s important to think about holistic health. Holistic health includes treating all eight areas of wellness, including emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. Ignoring any one of these categories could have detrimental results. A person’s health could deteriorate over time if an aspect of wellness is ignored.
The holistic health philosophy is held tight throughout treatment and should also carry over into aftercare planning. A person might’ve engaged in a specific holistic therapy like art therapy during treatment. They may continue this as outpatient therapy during aftercare. Alternatively, the person might find benefit by incorporating it as a hobby in their daily life. They might set aside twenty minutes each day just to engage in this activity.
As seen in this example, holistic health in aftercare might look different than it did while the client was in treatment. Each client’s plan will vary based on their specific needs, situation, and support system. It might help a client to reflect on what aspects of holistic treatment engaged them the most. What needed structural guidance? Moreover, what could be converted into an individual practice?
Common Aspects of Aftercare
Similar to each treatment plan being unique, every client’s aftercare plan will vary based on their individual needs. Some aftercare plans may include individual therapy or a form of psychotherapy, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can help reinforce the healthy habits learned in recovery, while also helping the client to process any difficult emotions they may be dealing with. Having a healthy outlet and a safe person to discuss their struggles with is one more built-in support that allows the client to continue on their journey to sobriety.
Another common treatment included in aftercare plans is a support group. Akshay Malhotra and Jeff Bake explain in Group Therapy that, “Support groups can be used to help patients who have already begun receiving treatment to maintain their new behaviors and reinforce their new belief systems and thought processes.” These support groups help build community and give the members a sense of understanding.
Group therapy also could help during aftercare. They are comprised of like-minded people who have been through similar circumstances. The groups are usually led by the members and facilitated by a qualified professional. It provides a setting for people to share their struggles, advice, and victories, in hopes of encouraging each other to continue to heal.
How We Support Clients After a Treatment Program
We firmly believe what happens during treatment is just as important as what happens afterward. Our goal is to equip and empower you to ensure your recovery journey is sustainable and realistic.
In addition to continual case management, we also offer alumni programs. Our alumni act as one more reminder that you don’t have to walk this journey alone. They’ve walked this journey too. Together, you can share your struggles, triumphs, concerns, and milestones.
At Sage Recovery, we value every part of your recovery process, including aftercare. You don’t stop needing support just because you’re not in a treatment program. That’s why we emphasize our aftercare and alumni programs. We know how much work healing can be. Ultimately, we want to equip and empower you with the proper tools to maintain and sustain a healthy recovery. We have licensed, trained clinicians to help you get there. Our programming includes the best treatments available. Our staff is highly equipped to help you process trauma, addiction, mental health, and everything in between. Reach out to us at (512) 306-1394 when you’re ready. We’re here to support you.