It is important to remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. If we ever catch ourselves looking for the “finish line” in recovery, that may be when we have stopped progressing. Of course, we must first begin before we ever get to that point. For many of us struggling with active alcohol addiction, our journey will begin with a period of detox, followed by determining what happens after alcohol detox.
What Does Effective Alcohol Detox Look Like?
The most effective alcohol detox is going to look very controlled and professional. This is because detoxing from alcohol on our own can be very dangerous. Alcohol is one of the few substances that can pose life-threatening symptoms if one does not detox from it properly.
This means that an effective detox program is best run by licensed medical professionals and accredited reputable recovery centers. These people and institutions ensure that the physical process of alcohol detox is as safe and painless as possible.
Reaching out to professionals can also help us get through the “mental obsession” aspect of detox, which is often why individuals don’t finish the detox process. Detoxing with the right people will also ensure that an effective post-alcohol detox recovery plan is set in place right away. Essentially, the sooner this happens, the better.
What Happens After Alcohol Detox?
After alcohol detox, it’s important to make a plan to continue your healing. This is called a Post-alcohol detox recovery plan. These plans can look different based on the individual. In fact, it is best that they do, as individualized recovery plans tend to be the most effective.
An effective post-alcohol detox recovery plan focuses on both the short- and long-term aspects of treatment. It will take into account what the next best steps are once an individual is done detoxing. In most instances, the next step is some form of inpatient treatment.
However, this is not always the case. Many people also find themselves going into a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) right after detox. It all depends on what best serves each person.
What Does an Effective Post-Alcohol Detox Recovery Plan Look Like?
The goal of an effective post-alcohol detox recovery plan is to help an individual avoid a relapse. Also, many people don’t realize how prevalent relapses are.
As stated by Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” These statistics are emblematic of why having an effective post-alcohol detox plan in place is crucial.
Besides the initial type of treatment program an individual enters after detox, it is also important to have plans for when that program ends. These plans may include sober living facilities, continued therapy, and/or recovery meetings – all of which are effective in staving off relapses.
What Does Effective Long-Term Recovery Look Like After Alcohol Detox?
An effective long-term recovery plan is going to look very active. It will keep an individual continually growing and continually connected to their primary purpose of recovery.
Additionally, an effective long-term recovery plan will include accountability for one’s recovery. This means that we should connect to other people in recovery who can help us when we are feeling “triggered” or uncomfortable in our recovery. Reaching out to someone in the community can go a long way in ensuring that a relapse doesn’t happen.
Also, many people find it helpful to continue their therapy sessions after they finish their initial treatment. Doing so allows us to continue to work on the underlying issues connected to our addictive behaviors. Many people in recovery argue that it is these underlying issues that are more responsible for our addiction than the alcohol itself.
Practicing Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we understand that life after alcohol can be difficult. However, we also know that being sober beats addiction any day of the week. This is why many people say, “My worst day sober will always beat my best day drinking.”
When we first start the detox process, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we will be that light; the ones to light the road to long-term recovery and a new better way of life.
Having a recovery plan after detox is critical. It is important to know what those plans look like, including the options for residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Also, introducing multiple therapy options immediately following detox (sometimes during) is crucial for helping lay the foundational elements necessary to sustaining sobriety. If you feel like you or someone you love is struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the road to successful long-term recovery. For more information regarding the importance of creating a post-alcohol detox recovery plan or more about our treatment programs, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
