The Follow Through. . .

After Treatment

The self-help programs spawned from AA (like G.A., Gamblers Anonymous) are often the first place suffering people turn for help. Nonetheless, it is an observable fact that formal treatment can accelerate and improve the quality of recovery. The visible proof of the merits of combining treatment with twelve-step programs can be seen and heard at twelve-step group meetings. It becomes quickly obvious who has been through treatment and who has not.

Most treatment "graduates" demonstrate a clearer understanding of the biogenetic nature of their disease, wrestle less with the vestiges of denial, and seem more comfortable with the idea of abstinence. Those who have undergone formal treatment are quite often more in touch with their feelings and in particular have learned how to deal with anger and fear in positive ways

Aspects of the Disease

Probably the most distinguishing mark of those who have experienced treatment is their clearer grasp of the family aspects of the illness. On the other hand, those who undergo treatment but do not continue in a twelve-step program appear to be missing a valuable component in their lives. It is not that they can’t stay sober and drug-free and "off the bet" without A.A., C.A, N.A., or G.A., because they often do. But they seem to lack the spiritual vitality, sense of purpose, and serenity that grows out of a life based on the principles embodied in the Twelve Steps. My acquaintance with thousands of recovering persons has convinced me that the formula for accelerated recovery and optimum wellness is this: first-class family-based treatment, including a solid aftercare component, followed by "one-day-at-a-time" living built upon the long-respected "Twelve Steps" of your choice.

This remains part of follow-through after the treatment experience. Some experts say that 20 percent of recovery takes place in treatment and most of the rest during the first two years afterwards, providing certain aftercare steps are taken. Of all the critical actions, following through with continues recovery efforts after treatment is perhaps the most crucial to long-term success.

Aftercare is usually structured through a formal commitment by the addicted person and family to attend professionally facilitated weekly therapy meetings in which ex-clients and their families continue to work on chemical dependency and co-dependency and gambling issues. Aftercare combined with programs such as A.A., Al-anon, Alateen and G.A. is what assures sustained recovery.

 

Aftercare provides the environment in which to continue processing the emotional pain of the disease. It reinforces the new beginnings in damaged relationships and helps refine valuable skills for living, such as stress management, relaxation techniques, exercise programs, nutrition, communication skills, self-esteem building, and assertiveness.

In addition, aftercare motivates the clients through the difficult early stages of establishing their twelve-step program. It is not uncommon to hear untreated addiction clients still wresting with these issues years after quitting their addicted behaviors whether is alcohol, drugs or gambling. Similarly, recovering co-dependent people, without the benefit of aftercare, may continue suffering for years and have become disillusioned because they expected the addicted person sobriety/abstinence alone to fix all their problems. The record is clear. Those who remain faithful to their aftercare contract seldom relapse. Those who don’t have or follow an aftercare contract, often do.

The two most common reasons for continued recovery in any addiction process are a trend that continues throughout the years. They are…abstinence and twelve-step living to provide the foundation for sustained recovery. These two axioms should not be tampered with lightly. Beyond these bedrock concepts, the horizons of recovery will surely expand as the clients knowledge grows.

Why would anyone want to disrupt or challenge what has worked for so long, for so many?