Exit Strategy

Treatment is Just the Beginning

Recovery is a long-term process that requires a careful plan. A client’s discharge summary starts the day they arrive and continues throughout the treatment process. By following an exit plan, the chance of relapse minimizes and you can be on your way to a healthier life.

Successful Solutions to Long-Term Recovery

At South Coast Counseling, our commitment is to offer personalized programs designed to educate clients on the vital skills needed to maintain a strong self-awareness of their behaviors, whether positive or negative. We prioritize helping individuals improve their capacity to identify and manage emotions effectively. By arming clients with these invaluable tools, we empower them to actively prevent relapses before they occur. Our ultimate objective is to assist individuals in achieving healthy, meaningful, and autonomous lives in their journey of recovery.

When does discharge planning start?

The process of discharge planning initiates within the initial days of treatment and holds significant importance as a vital component of each client’s personalized treatment plan. It essentially serves as a roadmap outlining the steps for post-inpatient or outpatient treatment, encompassing various essential aspects, such as:

• Continuation of additional or ongoing therapies
• Management of ongoing medication management
• Implementation of drug testing protocols
• Engagement in supportive group settings

As every client has their unique treatment plan, the discharge plans at South Coast Counseling are tailored to meet individual needs effectively.

Recognizing that treatment must address a person’s requirements for physical, emotional, and social support, we ensure that these crucial aspects are integrated into the overall discharge plan. By considering the holistic well-being of our clients, we strive to equip them with the necessary tools and resources for a successful transition and ongoing support beyond their treatment program. In this light, some of the more successful aftercare treatment components include:

Transitional Living or Sober Living

Transitional housing, often known as “step-down housing” or “sober living,” offers a supportive living arrangement designed to facilitate a smooth reintegration into home, school, and/or work life for clients, particularly those who have completed inpatient treatment. This type of housing provides onsite staff who diligently oversee residents and enforce curfews and random drug testing. Additionally, residents are expected to actively reintegrate into society by engaging in employment, volunteer work, or education. Through this structured environment, individuals are provided with the necessary support and accountability as they transition back into their daily lives.

Medication Management

A significant number of individuals in recovery find that maintenance doses of anti-addiction medications are necessary to effectively manage and reduce cravings during and after treatment. These medications, when used as prescribed, are considered safe and highly effective. It is important to acknowledge that addiction is a chronic brain disease, and for many individuals, medication is essential in maintaining control over this condition. However, some individuals may gradually reduce their medication dosage as their brain undergoes healing over an extended period of several months or years.

In addition, certain clients may require medications for managing psychological or behavioral issues. It is critical to educate clients about the potential risks and benefits associated with any prescribed medication. Equipping clients with knowledge about appropriate usage, as well as strategies to prevent misuse and abuse, is a critical aspect of their treatment.

12-Step and Support Groups

Engaging in 12-step meetings and support groups can be incredibly valuable for individuals seeking to establish a robust support system and learn effective practices to enhance and sustain their recovery. These groups offer a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers in sobriety, providing encouragement and fostering the motivation necessary for long-term recovery.

Popular 12-step meetings and support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are widely recognized. However, for those who prefer alternatives to the traditional 12-step approach, SMART Recovery is also available as a viable option.

Incorporating family involvement whenever possible is highly encouraged, as it plays a vital role in an individual’s support network. Family counseling sessions, whether conducted through South Coast Counseling or other psychiatric treatment providers, can be instrumental in fostering successful recovery. Additionally, groups like Al-Anon and other Al-Anon Family Groups provide specific support and guidance to family members, enabling them to contribute significantly to the recovery journey.

Sponsorship

Sponsors play a crucial role in the recovery process, as they are individuals who have personal experience in their own journey of recovery. Their primary objective is to assist those who are new to recovery in successfully transitioning to life after treatment. Beyond being a supportive friend, sponsors also serve as a source of accountability, guiding individuals to make sound choices, attend outpatient treatment appointments, and adhere to their recovery plan. It is common for sponsors to accompany and participate in various support meetings alongside the individuals they mentor, further bolstering their support network.