For many addicts the first major step to recovery is admitting their addiction is a problem and getting the help they need is what they want. Unfortunately this is only the start of the journey! Just like any other new habit, staying sober requires continued effort and commitment. At the beginning this can be easy, as addicts can vividly remember the “bad old days” and are determined to embrace the opportunities which a sober life provides. Unfortunately without the right treatment programs, many Malibu residents fail to maintain their drug or alcohol free existence. If you’re currently considering entering a facility for addiction treatment, check whether the following forms of aftercare are provided.
Family Therapy
Although in Malibu these treatment programs frequently take place while addicts are still resident at the treatment center, effective family therapy is essential in order to maximize the chances of sober success in the long term. Relationship difficulties are frequently a reason why some people can start to drink more heavily, or the drinking itself can cause relationship problems which may sometimes seem intractable. Family therapy is needed to ensure that when the addict re-enters their familiar home surroundings, they are returning to a positive, nurturing environment which minimizes risk of damaging relationships derailing their efforts at sobriety.
Transferable Skills Through Relapse Prevention
Luckily there are a number of different strategies which addicts can learn in order to minimize the risk of their addiction getting the better of them. From gaining awareness of the signs which could mean the urge to indulge is rising to ways of dealing effectively with social situations where alcohol is available, there are a number of different skills which can make sober life easier. Ensuring support in acquiring these vital abilities is readily available as part of the treatment programs in Malibu is important in order to provide the support needed to stay sober.
Post-residential Back-up
Many studies have demonstrated the importance of undergoing after residential treatment, sober individuals have frequent access to support groups and networks, as well as the chance to regularly check in with their treatment facility. Ensuring a significant range and number of on-going activities are in place is an essential part of successful Malibu based treatment programs. They provide accountability and continual reinforcement of sober behavior as well as a positive option for social interaction and friendship.
The best treatment programs in Malibu incorporate a significant number of therapeutic approaches which center on maintaining sobriety once in-patient treatment and therapy is complete. Providing on-going support is essential to enhance the chances of successful remission, as well as a chance to sort out problems early before they begin to escalate and threaten all the progress made. For more information on what treatment choices might be available, get in touch with the Serenity Malibu Rehab Center.