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Aftercare

The Hope Rehab Aftercare Program

Leaving rehab is when the work really begins. That is why at Hope we believe rehab aftercare is important. For our clients, returning home is when their recovery is really put to the test and at times this can be challenging so stay in touch.

Our Rehab aftercare is designed to keep you connected to both Hope Rehab Thailand, and your Counsellor after leaving treatment. However it is worth noting that long distance aftercare is no substitute for building a local support network with either meetings or finding a local counsellor. Please bear in mind you counsellor has new clients so can offer 15 minute phone calls (not counselling sessions) and weekly emails for a period of 6 weeks officially. Download 100 tips for recovery.

The most powerful aftercare program is directed and managed by YOU! Basically, continuing the healthy daily routines started at Hope. Attending independent recovery groups online or in person is the most successful form of aftercare. Also joining meditation classes and CBT counselling will aide your aftercare.

Some of the first clients I worked with are still in contact with me after being clean for several years. It is so heart-warming to hear from them and always leaves me feeling thrilled. Those connections we share will last forever.

– Simon Mott

How we help you plan your recovery and return home

A few weeks prior to leaving Hope, clients begin to work one on one with a Recovery Coach if you do an extended program. Each Recovery Coach works closely with the clients to determine potential problem areas when returning home, such as living and work situations, transportation, and social environments. Clients, with the guidance and support of their Recovery Coach, find solutions and set goals in those areas to minimize any undue stress returning to everyday life. We also develop plans to break into support groups back home and determine which support groups will best fit each client’s needs.

Taking personal responsibility for one’s own recovery and aftercare is all-empowering and sets you up for a long-term recovery. We can offer advice and suggestions however the client needs to act on it for it to work.

Phone support for a smooth transition

Leaving treatment, we are pleased to maintain close personal contact with each client to make sure their transition back home is as easy as possible. We continue support through pre-arranged phone calls or messages and provide motivation to continue the recovery journey using the tools learned at Hope.

Many clients do stay in touch with their counsellor and other members of the Hope team, which we welcome. Obviously Hope staff cannot chase clients around the globe and it is well known chasing an addict or alcoholic is a mistake.

Aftercare and post–treatment support:It is a clients responsibility to make contact, access and engage with our aftercare groups and counsellor support.

Weekly video meetings

Alongside personal contact, we also hold weekly online video meetings in order for clients to check-in on their recovery in a group atmosphere with peers they know and trust from Hope. This is a great opportunity for Hope alumni to support each other and give back by assisting any of their fellow peers who may be in need of a few friendly faces.

Secret & private Facebook group for Hope allumni

We have a group set up on social media, a Facebook account called “Hope friends Group”. It is a safe and secure way for clients and staff alike to remain in contact long after their treatment has finished. Many clients who are still clean today stay in touch with their peers and the staff for support from their homes all around the world.

Sober house and advanced program

After completing primary rehab of 60 days, many clients go on to our advanced program and to the hope Sober House for a more intensive form of aftercare. We understand not every client has the time or recourses to do this, however it does provides a gentle and safe transition back to the community.

Individual relapse prevention plan

The chances of relapse are high based on historical averages. Although an individual plan is made for relapse prevention, many of the problems faced are common to most clients. These include but are not limited to:

Causes of relapse can be:

The disease of addiction can be both brutal and subtle at the same time. We need a dynamic and safe plan that includes people, places and self. Your aim is to maintain the gains achieved at Hope Rehab. Failing to follow one’s treatment plan is the first warning sign of relapse.

Relapse is a process not an event, its best avoided – Sadly I have known too many addicts relapse and die. I don’t want to relapse again. The only thing I had to change in recovery was EVERYTHING. But attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference in recovery. Be prepared the change somethings you don’t want to, that’s what will make the most difference.

Drug and alcohol abuse over long periods of time affect addicts/alcoholics in a number of ways. After completion of any drug/alcohol rehabilitation program, there are many issues directly linked to their problems they will need to face when home. Financial, health and relationship problems are high on the list of these issues. It may not be so in all cases but is something that will cause increased levels of stress and anxiety, which must be addressed quickly by using rehab aftercare services.

Psychologically, the act of returning to your home environment can be a massive trigger. Places and people associated with using must be avoided and in a lot of cases removed from your life completely. This is never an easy task as the real work of changing those old habits really begins here and can at times be really painful. Breaking the chains to your past addictions and building a new productive life in recovery is the way for supporting your recovery after treatment.

Relapse Prevention will teach you about the following issues

After making changes to your life, it is important to consider how to maintain these changes so they are sustainable throughout everyday life. Relapse prevention will equip you with the tools you need to ensure that you do not fall back into old habits.

Recovery planning and aftercare

The recovery-map is a visual tool that looks a bit like a target. It’s also a living tool that changes with time. It becomes more flexible as we mature in our recovery. We recommend you stay as safe as possible to start with. Mapping helps you visualise your plan – it is the best way to memorise it.

Your ultimate goal is the center of the target. Then around that, you list your DON’T’s or triggers to protect your goal. Finally, the rest of the space is to create your new lifestyle, the DO’s.

One client's experience

Hello, I just have to share this with you Simon! What a morning. I woke up in floods of tears reflecting on 90 days clean and sober today. I just had tears of joy pouring out of me. I literally cannot believe it. I didn’t think it was possible. The local meetings are great and I have made some clean friends. I found myself a sponsor. She is amazing! She’s a hard ass who seems to know how to communicate with me so that I don’t shut down. I’m excited to start step one with her. And I feel like I can’t take any credit. I found myself thanking God. So hows this for cool: I accidentally read June 10 of the just for today book yesterday, so I decided to read June 9 today. And how perfect. My higher power did a magic little switcheroo on me!! It says, just for today I will acknowledge the miracle of my recovery and be grateful that I’ve found it. I got down on my knees for the first time this morning, since I begged god to help me before I went into rehab. And I prayed. I’m really overcome today. I couldn’t have done any of this without you and everyone at Hope. I love you all so much. 90 days isn’t a lot of time, but you know this has already been beyond my wildest dreams so I can’t even imagine what the future holds. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. All in all, feeling good!! Hope you are all also well. Thank you for letting me share that with you!!

– K______ NZ

Why attending groups is a crucial part of your aftercare program

After completing treatment, it is suggested to attend groups – a great deal of strength can be gained this way, the power of the group is an unparalleled tool in your aftercare plan. We are also in a position to refer you for counseling and therapy when you return to your home country to further help you with the work you have already begun whilst at Hope Rehab Thailand. We have a lot invested in our clients future recovery and that is why we offer the aftercare program with a focus on individual needs to help ensure your success.

Remember the acronym HALT - very dangerous relapse triggers

Hungry

Angry

Lonely

Tired

A useful relapse prevention reminder is the acronym D.E.A.D.S

Delay – Everything passes, even strong cravings

Escape – Leave a place if you are feeling triggered or threatened

Avoid – Stay away from very high stress situations and people

Distract – Talk to someone or have a soft drink

Substitute – Do something healthy and fun instead of using

Important Note

The reality and facts: Unfortunately, throughout the Rehab sector there has historically been a low uptake of aftercare programs. This is due to many reasons. 1, many people attend rehab a long distance from there using environment (Home) which is recommended. So, they are physically unable to attend meetings and groups at the rehab. Living in different time zones is also an issue. 2, others simply prioritise work and family etc. 3, some do relapse and others 4, go on to develop an independent recovery using local recourses, which offers the most reliable form of ongoing recovery.

Simon Mott

This article on Addiction Today explains more about Rehab Aftercare and aims to remind people of the importance of structured post-rehabilitative support.