Role of the family in aftercare treatment

March 1, 2023 0 By Contributor

Aftercare treatment is an integral aspect of addiction recovery that many people don’t pay attention to.

The basic essence of aftercare treatment is to help an individual sustain the progress they made after they left rehab or treatment program.

Usually, aftercare treatment is not as intense as the formal addiction program. However, it is a structured program that touches on the vital aspects of addiction recovery, and how to fight off cravings and triggers.

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When an individual is in aftercare treatment, their family members still have a pivotal role to play. Here are some of these responsibilities:

Intervention when faced with a crisis

Sometimes, when people recover from addiction treatment, they might experience some withdrawal symptoms which might need medical intervention. If the family is available, they will help their loved ones to get medical care from their healthcare provider or therapist.

The family will always watch out for their loved ones so that when they recognize that they are not doing well, they would help out.

Helping them adhere to their aftercare plans

Another responsibility of the family is to help their loved one stick to their aftercare plans. For instance, if they are not supposed to be in a place that could trigger their addiction, the family would watch out for them to ensure that they don’t go there.

With the influence of the family, the recovering individual would be able to live a sober and long life.

Ensuring they live a healthier life

One of the ways for an individual who is recovering from addiction to live a long and healthy life is to apply some healthy measures. This means they will have to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, avoid drugs and alcohol, etc.

Source of support and love

Ultimately, the family provides their member with sufficient support and love that would motivate them to keep fighting off cravings, triggers, and any form of addiction temptation. When their loved one feels demotivated, they would encourage them to keep pushing.