Making a Long-Term Plan for Recovery

People tend to think about short-term decision-making. However, developing a long-term plan for recovery is essential when a person prepares to enter treatment.

What Is Involved in a Plan for Recovery?

The recovery process is well-mapped. For many people, the knowledge that there are plans in place can be quite healthy and reassuring.  

Assessments and Planning

After entering a recovery program like West Coast Recovery Centers, clients will be given a full assessment. Assessments will look at their history and current issues as they prepare to enter the program.  

The plan that is developed from this assessment will encompass all aspects of the program. It is also not set in stone and can be altered based on how the individual responds to treatment. 

Case Managers

A plan of care is only as good as the program and staff follow-up. That is why West Coast Recovery Centers has case managers. These are professionals whose job is to not only develop individual plans of care but to keep up a continued dialogue with each client. This allows them to take the plan, work with the client, and adjust it in order to help the client get the most out of the program and prepare for their post-recovery life.

Plan for Recovery During Parts of Treatment

The recovery and treatment process includes many moving pieces. However, there are four key parts.

#1. Detox

When a person initially considers entering a recovery program, they often must contend with their fears. The first hurdle is understanding detox. This is one of the most frightening aspects for those that have not been properly prepared. For those who are nervous, it is important to become as informed as possible. This means finding out what detox looks like for their particular condition and level of addiction as well as what detox treatments exist.

#2. Inpatient Care

Those looking for inpatient care programs are often drawn to specific locations and environments. For them, the idea is to find the program that can create the best sense of security. Due to the nature of inpatient programs, a person must feel comfortable being there for a prolonged period. These programs last as little as 30 days but can go for as long as necessary.

#3. Outpatient Treatment

Once an inpatient program is complete, individuals will move to an outpatient treatment program. These programs often follow a similar format to inpatient. The difference is that they allow individuals to go home at the end of the day, may last for less time, and can be adjusted to fit around a person's schedule.

It is important to note that not everyone arrives at outpatient programs from inpatient programs. They may need the extra assistance of a program without requiring the full-time care of an inpatient program. Considering the programs that they offer, outpatient programs are popular with those who require consistent help with their substance use and mental health issues while being unable to entirely upend their lives.  

People entering outpatient programs should be prepared to take part in individual therapy, group therapy, and alternative therapies. They should also know that the program will ask that they spend their time outside of the program attempting to put concepts into action. 

#4. Post-Treatment

Planning for post-treatment is always a challenge. Case managers will assist in going over what has been learned, where clients are mentally, and what that means for any future challenges. In many ways, the step from an outpatient program back into a functioning member of society can loom even larger than the initial step into recovery. However, all fears will be assuaged as case managers work with their clients to develop this plan.

Why Is It Important to Think Long-Term as You Plan for Recovery?

Both before and during treatment, it is imperative to both develop and update your plan. Those who enter programs blindly will often stumble due to having too many unforeseen factors. However, when a person is able to work with loved ones and case managers, they will find that there are far fewer surprises.

When planning for one's mental health, there should be as few surprises as possible. In fact, the more a person can have a plan laid out before them, no matter how skeletal, the better. In fact, a bare-bones plan can always be filled in. However, without any plan in place, potential clients and existing clients are left floundering and fully reliant on others.

The goal of the program at West Coast Recovery Centers is to include clients in the crafting and adjusting of their own plans of care. This means that each iteration has some type of input from the individual. Plans are not made around them; they are made with them. If a client or potential client is not involved and on board, they will be far less likely to stick with the program or continue what they learned in the post-treatment world.

At West Coast Recovery Centers, the goal is to set clients on their path through treatment and into their post-treatment world. The best way to do this is through careful planning and individual consultations. One of the hardest parts about recovery is understanding one's place in the process. By working with case managers and other specialized staff, each client is given a clear idea of what steps they can expect. This plan is constantly being updated based on progress and any possible concerns. For West Coast Recovery Centers, a client with a plan is a client who can help themselves navigate not only our program but post-treatment programs as well. To learn more, call us at (760) 492-6509.