Recovering from addiction, mental health problems, and other related illnesses is a journey that requires support and guidance. Secondary care facilities provide a vital role in helping people navigate the early stages of recovery. However, what happens after secondary care? What can people do to ensure a successful transition back to their regular lives?
What is Secondary Care
Before we can dive into life after secondary care, we first have to understand what secondary care is. Secondary care refers to programmes or facilities that provide ongoing treatment and support to people who have completed a primary treatment programme for addiction or mental health problems.
When a person completes their primary care treatment, they may be referred to a secondary care centre to continue their recovery journey. These facilities help address behaviours, and underlying emotional problems, that may lead a person back to a life of addiction.
Life in Secondary Care
Secondary care facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for people recovering from addiction. In secondary care, people receive ongoing therapy, support, and education to help them develop the skills they need to maintain their sobriety.
Liberty Home is an example of a secondary care facility. We offer community sessions, support groups, physical activity, one-on-one therapy, therapeutic duties, and volunteer programmes. Our compassionate and highly trained staff are committed to helping our patients heal from their experiences.
The Journey from Secondary Care
Leaving secondary care can be both exciting and challenging. It’s important for people to prepare for the transition by developing a plan for maintaining their sobriety and building a fulfilling life in recovery.
Planning for a Successful Transition
Here are some tips for planning a successful transition:
Create a solid support system: One of the most important things people can do when transitioning from secondary care is to create a solid support system. A strong support system can help people avoid relapse and provide the emotional support they need as they transition back into their daily lives.
Develop a relapse prevention plan: Relapse is a common part of the recovery process. People should develop a relapse prevention plan to help them stay on track. This plan should include strategies for dealing with triggers and stressors that may lead to relapse. It should also outline the steps for people to take if they do relapse. By having a plan in place, people can feel more confident and empowered in their recovery.
Set realistic goals: It’s important for people to set realistic goals for themselves as they transition out of secondary care. Setting goals can help people stay focused and motivated, but they should be achievable and realistic. For example, instead of setting a goal never to drink again, people can set a goal to attend three support group meetings a week. By setting short-term achievable goals, you can build confidence in your ability to stay sober in the long term.
Find meaningful activities: Recovery is not just about avoiding substance use; it’s about building a fulfilling and meaningful life. People should find activities that bring them joy and a sense of purpose. This might include volunteering, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with loved ones. Finding meaningful activities can help people stay focused on their recovery and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Build a healthy lifestyle: Recovery is about more than just abstaining from drugs and alcohol or ignoring your mental health problems. It’s about building a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. By taking care of their physical health, individuals can feel better both mentally and physically. A healthy lifestyle can also help people build the resilience they need to navigate the challenges of recovery. This could form part of their day to day short term goals.
In conclusion, transitioning out of secondary care can be a challenging time, but with the right planning and support, individuals can make a successful transition back to their regular lives.
At Liberty Home, we support our patients and help them create a solid support system, develop a relapse prevention plan, set realistic goals, find meaningful activities, and build a healthy lifestyle. Individuals can build the resilience they need to maintain their sobriety and live a fulfilling life in recovery.