Completing a residential addiction rehab program is a significant milestone anyone should be proud of. After this achievement, your loved one may feel confident enough in their recovery progress that they believe no further treatment is necessary. However, people who don’t commit to a complete continuum of care may be more vulnerable to a relapse because they haven’t equipped themselves with all the coping strategies they need to manage their disease for the long haul.
What are the benefits of outpatient treatment, and what might you and your loved one expect if they decide to skip this crucial stage of the recovery journey?
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
While 30-day treatment programs used to be the norm throughout the mental and behavioral health care industry, we now recognize that duration is inadequate for fully addressing the root causes of addiction, especially when co-occurring mental health disorders are a contributing factor.
Because addiction is a chronic illness, the recovery process requires patience and perseverance. Extended care has consistently proven to have better, more dependable outcomes for people working to overcome substance use disorders.
At Vista Taos, our men’s and women’s extended care programs provide ongoing support after primary treatment has concluded, providing the structure and life skills training necessary to ensure lifelong sobriety. Residents can stay with us for up to a year, based on their needs.
The Benefits of Extended Care
If your loved one believes they’re fully healed and ready to return to the “real world” after completing four to six weeks of our primary treatment program, they might be missing the bigger picture. Consider this – by choosing to reject the offer of additional support, they may lose much of the progress they’ve made toward breaking the cycle of addiction once and for all.
Successfully transitioning from an active addiction into a sober, drug-free life requires extensive therapy, and the stress of attempting to rush through the process can trigger a relapse.
At Vista Taos, we encourage each client to take an active role in their recovery, so they can learn who they are without drugs and alcohol clouding their judgment. Our men’s and women’s extended care programs offer the following advantages.
- A safe, structured living environment
- Work, volunteer and educational opportunities
- Individual and group therapy
- Educational activities and outings
- 12-step meetings
- Family involvement
Committing to Recovery
At an accredited drug and alcohol rehab center, your loved one will learn the foundational skills that are necessary to treat addiction and identify the emotional challenges that made them more susceptible to developing a substance abuse disorder. Opting out of extended care will not relieve them of their burdens; instead, it will make the journey far more challenging.
Vista Taos offers a full continuum of care, starting with medical detox and progressing through alumni services for clients who have become part of our family. We have seen firsthand how recovery can make a difference in people’s lives, and we want to help you realize those benefits for yourself and your family. Contact us today to speak with our admissions team and take the first steps toward a healthier, happier life.
