Aftercare

Aftercare

It has likely been a long road for Joey at this point in his journey of addiction. As Joey travels on to full recovery, he will need other people to hold him up and to keep him on the right track. This can be difficult in the beginning because Joey may be nervous of trusting others. Though he has finished all mandatory alcohol addiction counseling programs, he has to take the next step: Aftercare. Aftercare programs are designed to create a smooth transition into the reality upon completion of addiction treatments. Aftercare programs focus on therapeutic processes by putting behavioral changes into action, which is more effective than merely talking about doing things differently. The following are types of teen aftercare programs available for teens recovering from addiction:

1) 12-step group meetings

a) Religious based or community and private facilities available

2) Follow-up counseling at a treatment facility

3) Residency at a sober living home in his familiar area.

a) Some residences offer shorter stays while others encourage 100 or more days in their programs

During aftercare, Joey will make dramatic improvements in his attitude, self-esteem and relationships without having to be away from home for prolonged periods of time. One segment in the aftercare programs deals with the value of the individual. Real values are something teens often forget or ignore as they get caught up in their addictions.

Character Value

Knowing the positive traits Joey possesses will need to be built upon in order to result in higher self-esteem. In addition, identification of character “flaws” needs to be addressed and removed where possible. Through consistent correction of negative behaviors and encouragement of positive behaviors "turned about" life emerges. Joey will be provided normal every day opportunities to use the teaching he receives from rehabilitation in real life circumstances. For example:

1. Laboring to love an unlovable person (Celebrate...