When addiction treatment is over, the journey does not end there. The individual who has recovered from addiction needs to realize that the journey to sobriety is not a final destination. Rather, it is a life-long process. This is why aftercare treatment is essential to prevent the risk of a relapse.
People who don’t take aftercare treatment seriously are likely to end up in rehab to receive addiction treatment.
The counselor continues to remain a key player when it comes to the addiction treatment process. And their presence is still invaluable in aftercare treatment. Here are some of the roles they play in aftercare treatment.
Develops a plan to prevent relapse
Different statistics have shown that the tendency for an individual to go back to their addiction is high especially when there is no aftercare plan for them.
It is the responsibility of the counselor, alongside the therapist in some cases, to develop a solid aftercare treatment plan to keep relapse at bay.
The counselor keeps tabs on the individual to ensure that they don’t derail. Also, the counselor could help with lifestyle changes that a patient can apply to prevent relapse, with some healthy practices to stabilize their sobriety.
Provides continued motivation and support
After recovery from addiction, it can be frustrating having to fight off cravings and triggers that are threatening your recovery progress.
The counselor understands that this is bound to happen, and this is why they keep providing the needed encouragement for you to keep fighting off those addiction temptations. They know how demotivating it can be, so they apply different measures to keep your eyes on the prize.
Reunites the sober individual and their family
Some individuals in recovery might not be on good terms with their families, which is not good because loved ones are an integral part of addiction recovery.
Part of the counselor’s responsibility is to make the family aware of what their loved one is going through so that they can provide adequate support.