When someone recovers from addiction, they may worry about what comes next after treatment. Most people don't know what the after-procedure is like in a mental health care facility. To some, there is the fear that once treatment is over, you are on your own. However, that is not the case when it comes to treatment, both for the mind and body.
When someone gets surgery, they are given follow-up appointments with specialists to make sure they are healing correctly. The same is true for mental health care facilities, especially for serious mental health disorders like addiction. This is known as aftercare, and it's an important part of addiction recovery.
However, the seeds of success can be started before treatment has finished. Places like Pathways Wellness Center help their clients by teaching them the skills needed to be successful. It also means teaching someone how to not fear success and be proud of their accomplishments and hard work.
At Pathways, a client can expect quality care, both during and after treatment.
A major part of addiction treatment at Pathways Wellness Center is the learning of important life skills. Not everyone has had the same opportunities as everyone else. Some people may lack the skills needed to care for their mental health. The blame is often placed on the general stigma around mental health and the spread of misinformation. However, times have begun to change. Efforts are now being made to address mental health in school and other social settings.
Despite the growing awareness of mental health, there are still many who cope with their troubles in unhealthy ways. One way is by self-medicating, which can often lead to addiction. Not being able to recognize when you are becoming too stressed, or being unable to rest properly, are also problems faced by many people. The foundation of all treatment plans at Pathways is to recognize these unhealthy coping methods and replace them with healthy ones. This is achieved through various types of therapies, with psychotherapy being the most common therapy used. Other times it's using therapies like art therapy or adventure therapy to encourage clients to find a healthy outlet for their emotions. Learning how to change unhelpful thoughts and behavioral patterns helps clients learn how to engage with society again safely.
Speaking of society, clients at Pathways are given the tools they need to succeed after treatment. A case manager is assigned to each client that can help them identify what they need to accomplish to lead a happy, sober life. This can mean mundane things, such as teaching a client how to write a resume or interview for a job. It can also mean helping someone find cooking classes or enroll in secondary education. Treatment isn't just about overcoming addiction; it's also about learning how to live your life without the need for substances.
Perhaps one of the most important programs given to clients during treatment is relapse prevention. This helps clients recognize situations where they may be tempted to use substances again. It's a place to learn how to build boundaries and navigate these situations in a safe environment. Learning how to say no to societal and peer pressure is an important skill. This is especially true when the addictive substance is a socially accepted one, such as alcohol.
It also lets clients know that, sometimes, relapses happen. Relapse doesn't make someone a failure or a bad person – it simply means they just need extra help.
All these resources are readily available to clients as part of normal treatment. What comes after treatment is just as important.
Following treatment at Pathways, clients aren't just turned loose into the wide yonder. Instead, they have several post-treatment options to fall back on to foster continuous success.
Clients have access to support networks made up of fellow Pathways alumni. They consist of specific support and peer network groups. The goal of all is to offer companionship and understanding to those who have gone through similar difficulties in their life. Having a wealth of experiences to fall back on can help clients prevent avoidable mistakes. Many of these groups make it a goal to show clients how rich and joyful sober living can be. Meetups, cookouts, and adventures await those who join these groups, as well as supportive friendships that can last a lifetime.
Pathways makes it a point to check in often with their alumni. It's common practice for alumni to be asked to come in a few times after treatment, just to get a feel for how they are doing. If they are struggling, they can be given the support and advice they need to help navigate their troubles. The frequency of these checkups varies from person to person, but individuals can schedule as many checkups as they feel they may need. Sometimes the reassurance that a professional is actively looking out for your well-being can be comforting and prevent a relapse.
Lastly, Pathways will always have its doors open to clients and alumni that need assistance. It is never shameful to require extra help. Sometimes someone may need multiple rounds of treatment to achieve recovery, and that's okay. Recovery is not a race, but a journey that lasts long after treatment is over. With a staff that is in recovery themselves, one can be sure that they'll never be judged or belittled during their journey.
A common misconception about treatment is that once you are done, you are on your own. However, this is far from the case. Here at Pathways Wellness Center in Glendora, California, we believe that nobody should have to face post-treatment life alone. This is why we work with our clients, before and after treatment is finished, to give them the tools they need to succeed. From helping clients brush up their resumes to find a job or providing a client with a peer network that supports them, Pathways will always have their client's back. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don't wait. Call us today at (888) 771-0966.
