What Happens When People Leave Treatment?
22 Dec 2022
Treatment programs create a solid foundation for healthy living. However, recovery doesn't end when a person completes treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health issues. According to Mentalhealth.gov, "Treatment and recovery are ongoing processes that happen over time." Facilities like Samarpan provide skill development and essential tools to help clients learn to manage their mental health during ongoing recovery.
What to Expect From Recovery After Treatment
During treatment, clients develop routines that will help them cope with everyday stressors and overcome challenges related to long-term recovery. After completing a residential (RTC) or intensive outpatient (IOP) program, most clients transition to community-based resources or outpatient care. During continuing care, individuals usually continue to take advantage of the following:
- Individual therapy
- Prescription medication when necessary
- Self-help support groups
- Family therapy
Continuing care provides support, resources, and accountability to help clients follow through with the changes they made during treatment. Every case is unique. Some people can successfully transition out of treatment with only a brief period of continuing care, while others might require long-term outpatient treatment. The clinical team at Samarpan collaborates with each client and their family to find the ideal treatment plan to meet their needs.
5 Ways to Prepare for the Transition Out of Treatment
Leaving a structured program should not interfere with continuing recovery. During treatment, clients gained self-confidence and the skills they need to maintain positive mental health. Below are a few ways Samarpan ensures clients experience a smooth and low-stress transition out of treatment.
#1. Create a Plan for Continuing Care
Before clients complete their treatment program, they will collaborate with the clinical team to create a plan for their continuing care that keeps them on track and progressing in their recovery. In most cases, these plans incorporate the following:
- Relapse prevention and crisis management strategies
- Individual therapy
- Peer-led self-help groups, including 12-Step meetings for individuals recovering from substance misuse
- Referrals to community-based resources when available
- Family therapy and mental health education
#2. Connect With Recovery Resources
The mental health recovery community offers a wide range of resources clients can use to stay on track, including:
- Online and in-person support groups
- Telehealth therapy options
- Outpatient therapy and treatment at facilities like Samarpan
- Family support services within the community
- International mental health recovery resources
Community recovery resources play an essential role in continuing care for many clients. According to the Industrial Psychiatry Journal, "Community mental health services aim to treat people with mental disorders in their homes or domiciliary settings, instead of a psychiatric hospital" or mental health treatment program. The less structured care provides support while allowing people to return to their personal and professional responsibilities.
#3. Maintain Family Engagement After Treatment
Due to misinformation and stigmas, many families don't understand the realities of mental health recovery. For example, some families believe when loved ones transition out of treatment, they are "cured." However, that is not the case.
Treatment is a path toward long-term recovery, not a "cure" that eliminates the issue within a convenient 30 to 90 days. In addition, family members may not understand the role they play in continuing care, and some may refuse to make positive changes that would support their loved one's recovery.
Family engagement in the recovery process can significantly impact a person's ability to maintain the positive routines and behaviors they developed during treatment. In many cases, family dynamics play a role in the underlying issues that caused the mental health crisis. If families don't address maladaptive dynamics, the problems will continue. Avoiding change within the family unit often leads to a relapse or return of symptoms. Samarpan encourages clients and their families to heal together through individual and family therapy throughout treatment to ensure positive changes during continuing care.
#4. Protect Your Sobriety and Mental Health
Relapse prevention is essential to recovery and protects clients from potential setbacks. Clients can protect their sobriety or mental health by setting realistic goals for recovery and actively participating in individual therapy or other continuing care services. The clinical team at Samarpan assists clients in setting realistic goals and developing skills to protect their recovery.
#5. Utilize a Continuum of Care
Many clients benefit from a continuum of care that involves transitioning between residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment programs. The longer a person receives structured care, the more confident they feel in recovery and the lower their risk of relapse.
According to the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, "The primary objective [of mental health programs] is to reduce distress, disability, and premature mortality related to mental illness and to enhance recovery from mental illness." In addition, facilities strive to change the narrative surrounding mental health by "reducing stigma, [and] promoting community participation."
A continuum of care allows people to heal at their own pace within a tailored treatment plan and take advantage of community resources. Samarpan offers multiple levels of care and alumni support services for people in ongoing recovery.
Treatment programs give clients a solid foundation for healing and personal growth. However, participating in a treatment program does not mean someone has completely recovered. Sometimes, it takes months or even years for a person to fully recover from the effects of substance misuse and mental health issues. The dedicated team at Samarpan collaborates with each client and their family to determine the best way to transition out of treatment and into continuing care. We encourage clients to continue attending individual therapy, peer support groups, and family therapy to ensure they receive the support they need to heal. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at +91 81809 19090.