AFTERCARE: RECOVERY ADVOCATE PROGRAM
What the Recovery Advocate Program Does for the client
Studies show that between 40-60 percent of individuals relapse within one year of treatment, many even on their way home from treatment. This is a troubling statistic for individuals and their families who are trusting treatment to give them their life and loved ones back. After treatment the Individual will return home with many new tools for sobriety but find them difficult to implement. They leave the 24/7 support and rigorous structure of a treatment center and find themselves back in their home environment. This lack of structure after completion of an inpatient program makes it challenging to stay accountable in daily life. A Recovery Advocate or Case Manager will bridge this gap.
The Recovery Advocate Program provides individuals and families a way to stay accountable. This advocate (case manager) is assigned to each individual and their family. A case manager will have regularly scheduled meetings with the individual after their discharge from treatment. These meeting will implement the structure and track metrics that show progress in recovery. These metrics and goals are individualized for each client.. They can include; Are they attending peer support meetings? (12-Step, S.M.A.R.T, Celebrate Recovery, Recovery Dharma) is the individual following a proper diet and nutrition? Are they having trouble reintegrating with loved ones or friends? Have they been able to hold a schedule? (Works, School, Volenteer) All of these questions and their answers give the recovery advocate a guide that ensures a relapse or slip is caught in the beginning stages of the behavior. If they identify these concerning signs they will facilitate behavioral intervention to prevent a relapse.
Accountability in early recovery
In addition to tracking a clients behavior and habits, a recovery advocate will also provide accountability. We accomplish this by offering a varriety of services that include randomized Breathalyzer and Genetically Verified Urinalysis (Drug Testing). This is important because it provides a very clear and concise boundary that if they use it will be known and they willnot be able to get away with “Just one time”. The Recovery Advocate will ensure that the client is adhering to their discharge plan and developing the skills necessary to achieve long-term recovery. These goals include the development of the life skills needed to live a successful life in sobriety. The case manager will also support the client in obtaining continued clinical services including a therapist or psychiatrist for medication management. They can also ensure the client remains in sober living after discharge from residential when appropriate.
Family involvement in the Recovery Advocate program
Substance abuse can be one of the most difficult experiences of you and your family’s lives. Life in early recovery can be equally difficult. Many people in early recovery have a difficult time rebuilding relationships, and many families will still have doubts. In most cases questions remain; Are they still sober? How long will it last this time? how can I trust them? A professional case manager offers support and transparency in the recovery process long-term.
When a relationship remains strained the advocate will offer reports to the family that will ensure that they understand the progress of the client. This offers the family peace of mind to actively participate in their own lives while rebuilding their relationship with their once lost family member.
