Drug and alcohol treatment providers offer various types and stages of care. Frequently, individuals struggling with addiction benefit from a continuum of care with graduated stages of structure and support. Some, however, do well with only primary care consisting of inpatient treatment or rehab, while others, who need more support and a longer recovery period, advance from primary care to a sober living house (tertiary treatment). Some treatment centres provide an extra stage in the form of secondary treatment.
Once Primary Care has been completed, a person may be referred to secondary care addiction rehab. Many potential residents are assessed for admission into secondary drug treatment after completing primary care.
Secondary addiction treatment addresses behaviours, and underlying emotional problems, that take the person back to active addiction. It’s where a recovering person can practice the tools they need to stay away from drugs or alcohol. In Secondary addiction treatment, individual and group therapy sessions focus on underlying traumas, beliefs, and unhealthy habits. It’s a safe (drug and alcohol-free) environment and encourages people in recovery to participate in everyday activities.
Recovery is not about not using drugs, and a long period of abstinence does not equal success – Recovery is about coping with daily activities.
Secondary Care – duration dependent on individual requirements. The aims of the secondary programmes are to continue to build on the positive gains made during primary treatment. Clients are encouraged to continue to identify what needs to change and how change can be implemented. They are also encouraged to examine feelings, attitudes, behaviours and relationships to ascertain in what way these may be self-defeating. They will undertake an inventory of their personal qualities which can then be used in taking positive steps towards recovery.
Encouragement with modifying self-defeating behaviours, striving for openness and honesty in all aspects of life, improving relationships, handling negative feelings constructively and setting realistic, attainable goals.
The programme is based on those approaches that are indicated by research to be effective in assisting people to end their substance misuse. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 12 Step Facilitation, Relapse Management and Prevention, and Problem Solving. Decision making and Goal Setting.
The more involved and proactive the client is in the goal setting and achieving, the more likely the outcome will be long term and enduring recovery. The ability to face up to and deal with difficulties gives a sense of achievement that will encourage the client to see this as their ‘normal’ behaviour, thus there will be less likelihood of a catastrophic event causing relapse.
Sober living houses help people who need long-term support as they gradually ease back into life. The structure of sober living houses varies, but the goal is to provide a safe, peaceful environment for continued recovery as individuals adjust to a new, sober lifestyle. The support of others in recovery is a critical aspect.