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The Importance Of Aftercare Programs

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Recovery, Substance Addiction, Support.

Aftercare programs are integral to the rehabilitation process for individuals recovering from addiction and co-occurring disorders. They provide a safe and supportive environment where those individuals can continue to build on their progress and gain further knowledge and the skills needed to stay healthy, productive, and sober.

What Are Aftercare Programs?

Aftercare programs are specialized services designed to help individuals who have completed a treatment program for addiction or dual diagnosis. Aftercare programs provide ongoing support and resources to those in recovery, helping them stay on track with their goals and maintain their sobriety. 

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Aftercare programs can take many forms, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. They can include individual therapy, group counseling, and peer support activities like 12-step meetings. Additionally, aftercare programs often address the specific needs of the recovering individual, such as finding employment or sober living housing assistance. 

For example, some may involve attending weekly counseling sessions, while others may include outpatient treatment. In addition, some aftercare programs are designed to be completed over a certain period, while others are ongoing. Ultimately, choosing an aftercare program should be based on what will best support the individual’s recovery goals and lifestyle. 

Who Can Benefit from an Aftercare Program?

Anyone recovering from addiction and co-occurring disorders can benefit from an aftercare program. These programs are tailored to the specific needs of the individual to help them maintain a healthy and sober lifestyle while continuing to assist them in their ongoing recovery from substance use by providing endless opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their peers who are also in recovery.

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Are There Different Types of Aftercare Programs?

12-step programs and outpatient aftercare programs are both types of aftercare services that provide ongoing support for individuals recovering from addiction. 12-step programs typically involve weekly meetings with peers going through similar experiences. Alternatively, outpatient aftercare programs may include individual counseling and group therapy sessions in a structured and supportive environment. 

Both types of programs offer individuals in recovery an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with others who understand their struggles and help them stay on track with their goals. Ultimately, each person should consider what program best suits their needs.

How Does Aftercare Help One Maintain Their Sobriety?

Aftercare programs offer individuals in recovery the opportunity to build on their progress and continue to gain the knowledge and skills needed to stay healthy and productive in society. In addition, aftercare programs provide support, structure, accountability, community engagement, and other essential resources to help one maintain sobriety. Furthermore, aftercare helps individuals maintain their sobriety by providing access to resources that will help them continue on a positive path of growth and development.

What Are the Benefits of Aftercare Programs?

  • Ongoing support and resources.
  • Access to individual therapy, group counseling, and peer support activities.
  • Access to other specialized services that can address the specific needs of the recovering individual.
  • Building meaningful relationships with peers. 
  • Structured accountability for staying on track with recovery goals.
  • Opportunities for community engagement and learning new life skills.
  • Access to professional guidance from counselors and therapists.
  • Ability to continue enhancing and developing coping and relapse prevention skills. 
  • Uncovering new triggers and learning how to avoid them. 
  • Provides help when a person is facing stressful situations. 
  • Obtain advice on if and when aftercare should end. 
  • A place to turn to when one feels alone, isolated, or unsupported. 

How Long Does an Aftercare Program Last?

The duration of an aftercare program depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some people will complete their program over a period of time. On the other hand, other people find that ongoing aftercare will support their sobriety better. Therefore, as one progresses through aftercare, one should work with counselors and therapists to reassess one’s specific needs and adjust their program as needed to ensure one can continue to remain sober. 

Where Can I Start an Aftercare Program?

Aftercare programs are typically offered through addiction treatment centers and other such facilities. Most people who have completed their initial rehab will create an aftercare plan before being discharged from their rehab treatment. 

However, you have the flexibility to obtain aftercare at any treatment center and not the same location where you underwent rehab. For example, it is common for many people to seek rehab out of state to eliminate outside distractions and allow them to focus on their recovery. Once they complete their rehab and return home, starting an aftercare program through a rehab treatment facility near their home is perfectly acceptable.  

Can I Return to Aftercare If I Leave?

Individuals can return to an aftercare program even if they have left or taken a break from it. Aftercare programs provide ongoing support and resources for those in recovery, so returning is always an option whenever someone feels they need added support and guidance to maintain their sobriety. 

In addition, some people return to aftercare after a lapse or relapse. However, it is vital to remember that a lapse or relapse does not mean failure. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and start fresh with the help of an aftercare program.

Family-Run Aftercare Programs in Murfreesboro, TN

Our family-run facility provides ongoing aftercare support for those recovering from addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. To learn more about our aftercare programs or to start customizing your aftercare treatment, contact us today.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Murfreesboro TN

Why Is Alcohol Relapse So Common?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Relapse, Support.

When you take the first steps to recovery to get help for your alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is only natural to feel good about the progress you make as you complete detox and your initial partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment. However, one question on most people’s minds when recovering from AUD is, “Why is alcohol relapse so common?” 

What Is Alcohol Relapse?

Alcohol relapse is when you stop following your aftercare treatment, which could include attending meetings, following a structured routine, and returning to drinking. This “slip-up” could be a one-time occurrence where you find yourself weak and give in. A single occurrence, while considered a relapse, is often called a lapse because it is a singular event. 

A complete relapse is when you fall back into your old habits and resume drinking at your former levels and frequency of use. In other words, a full relapse is like you never underwent detox and addiction treatment for your AUD.   

Why Is Alcohol Relapse So Common? 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40% and 60% of people experience a relapse within their first year of AUD treatment. Part of the reason for such high relapse rates is some people feel overconfident in their ability to remain sober. Unfortunately, this overconfidence can leave them underprepared to properly manage their triggers and cravings. 

Another reason for high relapse rates is that people stop working on their programs. They may skip meetings and individual therapy sessions. They might stop following their structured routine and slowly slip back into former habits, like not exercising or eating unhealthily. 

Other causes for relapse include:

Not Being Aware of “Hidden” Triggers

Triggers are those things that can bring about cravings for alcohol and prior alcohol use. They can be related to objects, people, locations, and events. Some people do not fully uncover their triggers during rehab, especially during the first year of recovery. Some remain “hidden” away, leaving themself vulnerable because they have not yet developed effective coping skills.  

Placing Oneself in Situations of Extreme Anxiety and Stress

In the past, the way an individual dealt with extreme anxiety and stress was to drink. However, now that a person is working on their sobriety, it can be very challenging to remain sober when put into similar situations. Even though meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help, when anxiety and stress become too much to manage, it could result in relapse. 

The Recovery Environment Is Unsupportive and Unhealthy

In some situations, it is the recovery environment the person returns to after AUD treatment. For example, if there are other people in the household with substance use problems, it can leave the person feeling vulnerable as they can feel pressured to give in. In addition, when there is a lack of support in the home, it can make it seem like the person in recovery is all alone. Even though they know they are not the only person recovering from AUD, the sense of isolation in one’s home can be enough to cause a relapse. 

Does the Risk of Alcohol Relapse Ever Decline?

Fortunately, the longer an individual can remain sober, the lower the risk of alcohol relapse. According to research data provided by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 60% of those recovering from AUD maintain their sobriety for life once they reach this milestone. Furthermore, the risk of alcohol relapse during year two drops to around 22%. Should a person make it to year three sober, their risk of relapse drops to about 10% for years three, four, and five. After five years, the risk of relapse is still possible, but it is less likely to occur. 

What Should I Do If I Relapse?

If you relapse, it is essential to move past the relapse to get back on track with your AUD recovery using the following tips:

  1. Discontinue drinking and undergo medically supervised detox as soon as possible. Even if you only resumed drinking for a short time, you can still experience unpleasant and intense withdrawal symptoms. So, going through supervised detox is recommended.
  2. Do not beat yourself up because you “slipped up.” It is easy to blame our shortcomings and hold ourselves accountable by being very harsh on ourselves. However, this is counterproductive to recovery. Instead, accept that you have relapsed and seek support to become stronger and reduce the risk of relapsing again. 
  3. Work on uncovering “hidden” triggers. It is essential to continue to identify triggers throughout your recovery journey. The more undercover, the better equipped you can become at managing them effectively.
  4. Continue working on your coping skills and methods. To become more resistant to relapse, you must constantly improve your coping skills and methods. If you find some are no longer effective, discard them and replace them with new ones. 
  5. Enhance your relapse prevention plan. Your relapse prevention plan should help prevent relapse. However, when it does not, you need to re-evaluate it and make changes to strengthen it. 
  6. Re-establish and maintain support networks. You are not alone in your recovery. Nor are you the only person who has ever relapsed. Seek the support you need through your support network.

AUD Relapse Detox and Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN 

If you relapse and want to take the steps to get back on track with your recovery, Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN, is here to help. We offer personalized AUD relapse detox and addiction treatment programs. Get the help and support you need by contacting us today.

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What Happens After Rehab? Continuing Care, Aftercare & Relapse Prevention

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Drug Addiction, Support.

Table of contents

What Happens After Rehab? Continuing Care, Aftercare & Relapse Prevention

Finishing rehab can be an important milestone in recovery, but it usually is not the end of treatment. For many people, what happens after rehab involves gradually moving from a highly structured treatment environment into greater independence while continuing to receive therapy, recovery support, mental health care, and help managing relapse risk.

The next step will not look exactly the same for everyone. One person may transition into a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), while another may be ready for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), standard outpatient care, or an individualized aftercare plan. Some people return home. Others benefit from sober living or another supportive recovery environment while they establish more stability.

The goal of continuing care after rehab is not to remain in intensive treatment forever. It is to make sure support does not disappear at the same time everyday responsibilities, relationships, stress, triggers, and opportunities to use substances begin returning.

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Continuing Care After Rehab

At Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, treatment can change in intensity as recovery progresses. A continuing-care plan may include Partial Hospitalization Programming, Intensive Outpatient Programming, therapy, dual diagnosis care, relapse-prevention planning, and addiction treatment aftercare.

A gradual step-down, not an abrupt stopSupport can become less intensive as stability, independence, and confidence increase.

What Happens When Rehab Ends?

When a structured phase of rehab ends, the clinical team and client can evaluate what level of support is appropriate next.

Completing one level of treatment does not necessarily mean someone immediately goes from daily clinical care to managing recovery entirely on their own. Addiction treatment can operate as a continuum in which the amount of structure changes according to a person’s stability, progress, mental health, recovery environment, relapse risk, and other individual needs.

For someone leaving a residential or similarly structured environment, the next phase may involve PHP or IOP. Someone who has already developed greater stability may transition into standard outpatient treatment or aftercare.

The transition can also involve practical changes outside the treatment center. A person may begin returning to work or school, reconnecting with family, managing finances, attending recovery meetings, establishing new routines, taking prescribed medications, rebuilding relationships, and learning how to respond when stress or cravings appear in everyday life.

These experiences are part of continuing recovery.

Why Recovery Does Not End When Treatment Ends

Addiction recovery involves more than stopping alcohol or drug use.

During treatment, people may begin identifying triggers, understanding patterns associated with substance use, addressing mental health concerns, learning coping skills, repairing relationships, and developing healthier routines. The challenge after rehab is applying those skills when the protections of a highly structured environment are reduced.

Everyday life can introduce situations that were easier to avoid during intensive treatment.

Someone may encounter an argument with a family member, financial stress, loneliness, a difficult day at work, an unexpected craving, a social event where alcohol is present, contact with someone associated with previous substance use, or symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health condition.

Continuing care provides a place to work through those experiences rather than expecting someone to handle every challenge alone as soon as one phase of treatment ends.

It also allows the treatment plan to change. Someone doing well may need progressively less structure. Someone experiencing increasing cravings, psychiatric symptoms, instability, or a return to substance use may need additional support or reassessment.

Recovery therefore tends to be better understood as an ongoing process rather than a single treatment episode with a fixed ending.

Creating a Continuing-Care Plan

A continuing-care plan provides structure for the period after a more intensive phase of rehab.

The plan should reflect the person’s current needs rather than simply following the same schedule for everyone.

Clinical teams may consider substance-use history, previous treatment experiences, relapse history, cravings, mental health symptoms, medications, housing stability, family relationships, employment, transportation, support systems, and recovery goals.

A continuing-care plan may address:

  • The next appropriate level of addiction treatment
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Psychiatric care or medication management
  • Medications used in addiction treatment when clinically appropriate
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Sober living or another supportive housing arrangement
  • Peer or mutual-support groups
  • Family involvement
  • Relapse-prevention strategies
  • Employment or education goals
  • Medical appointments
  • Recovery routines
  • Emergency plans for cravings or relapse
  • Long-term aftercare

Planning for these needs before someone leaves a structured level of care can make the transition more deliberate.

The plan can also change. Recovery is not always linear, and needing more support at some point does not erase the progress already made.

What Level of Care Comes After Rehab?

There is no single level of care that everyone must complete after rehab. Some people need substantial structure as they transition out of residential treatment, while others are ready for greater independence.

At Tulip Hill Recovery, PHP, IOP, outpatient services, and aftercare can form different parts of the continuing-care process.

More Structure

Partial Hospitalization Program

PHP provides intensive daytime treatment without requiring an overnight stay and can help bridge the transition from highly structured care.

Explore PHP

Step Down

Intensive Outpatient Program

IOP combines structured clinical care with more time for work, school, family responsibilities, and practicing recovery skills in everyday life.

Explore IOP

More Independence

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient care generally provides less treatment intensity while preserving scheduled therapy, medication follow-up, and recovery planning.

Ongoing Support

Addiction Aftercare

Aftercare helps maintain progress through continued counseling, relapse-prevention planning, recovery check-ins, peer support, and other ongoing resources.

Explore Aftercare

The goal is not to reduce support as quickly as possible. Treatment intensity can change as a person demonstrates greater stability, uses recovery skills more independently, and builds a sustainable support system.

Where Do You Live After Rehab?

Housing can have a significant influence on the transition after rehab.

Some people return home. Others may benefit from sober living or another structured recovery environment.

The appropriate arrangement depends on safety, stability, substance use in the home, family dynamics, available support, transportation, finances, and the person’s individual recovery needs.

Returning Home After Rehab

Returning home can provide familiarity and family support, but it may also reintroduce old routines and triggers.

Before returning home, it can help to consider whether alcohol or drugs are present, whether other household members support recovery, whether previous substance-use relationships remain nearby, and whether the environment allows the person to follow the continuing-care plan.

Families can also discuss expectations before the transition.

Boundaries around substances in the home, transportation, treatment attendance, finances, privacy, and household responsibilities can reduce confusion once someone returns.

Sober Living and Recovery Housing

Sober living can provide additional structure between intensive treatment and fully independent living.

A recovery-supportive environment may be particularly helpful when someone’s previous home includes active substance use, unstable relationships, easy access to substances, or limited accountability.

Sober living is not the same as clinical treatment. Instead, it can complement outpatient care by providing a substance-free living environment while someone participates in PHP, IOP, therapy, work, school, or other recovery activities.

The need for sober living varies considerably from person to person.

Therapy and Mental Health Care After Rehab

Therapy can continue long after the most intensive phase of addiction treatment ends.

The focus may also change.

Early treatment may concentrate heavily on stabilization, substance use, immediate triggers, and developing foundational coping skills. As recovery progresses, therapy may address relationships, trauma, grief, self-esteem, emotional regulation, employment, family dynamics, long-term goals, and other areas that affect quality of life.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy provides private time to work through challenges that may be difficult to address fully in a group setting.

A therapist can help someone examine triggers, recognize behavioral patterns, develop coping strategies, address relationship difficulties, and respond to new challenges as they arise.

Therapy can also help identify subtle changes that may increase relapse risk before they develop into a larger crisis.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can provide accountability and connection with other people navigating recovery.

Members can discuss real-world challenges, practice communication, receive feedback, and recognize that many difficulties experienced after rehab are shared by others.

Group treatment can be particularly useful during the transition back into everyday life because new experiences outside treatment can become material for the next session.

Medication and Psychiatric Support

Some people continue taking medications after rehab.

This may include medications used to treat mental health conditions or medications used as part of treatment for certain substance use disorders.

Medication decisions should be individualized and managed by qualified medical professionals.

Someone should not stop a prescribed medication simply because a more intensive phase of addiction treatment has ended. Ongoing follow-up can help clinicians evaluate effectiveness, side effects, symptoms, adherence, and whether changes are clinically appropriate.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Substance use disorders frequently occur alongside mental health concerns.

Anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and other conditions can continue affecting someone after rehab.

When substance use and mental health symptoms influence one another, continuing dual diagnosis treatment can help address both rather than treating them as unrelated problems.

For example, someone may have previously used alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety or traumatic memories. Removing the substance does not automatically resolve the underlying symptoms.

Continued mental health treatment can therefore be an important part of relapse prevention and long-term recovery.

Family Support

Recovery also affects spouses, parents, children, siblings, and other people close to the individual.

Family members may have experienced broken trust, fear, financial problems, conflict, inconsistent communication, or repeated crises before treatment.

Those issues may not disappear immediately when someone returns from rehab.

Family support can help relatives understand addiction and recovery, establish healthier boundaries, improve communication, and develop realistic expectations.

Trust may need to be rebuilt gradually through consistent behavior rather than promises.

Returning to Work, School and Everyday Life

One of the biggest changes after rehab can be returning to ordinary responsibilities.

Someone may feel excited to resume work or school while also feeling overwhelmed by the sudden increase in demands.

It can help to approach reintegration gradually when possible.

A recovery schedule may need to account for therapy appointments, treatment sessions, medication follow-ups, exercise, sleep, meals, recovery meetings, family time, transportation, and other responsibilities.

Trying to immediately recreate the same lifestyle someone had before treatment can sometimes reintroduce the same stress patterns that contributed to substance use.

Recovery may require changing how time is managed.

For example, someone who previously worked excessive hours and used substances to manage stress may need stronger boundaries around work. Someone returning to college may need to reconsider social environments centered on alcohol or drugs.

The objective is not simply to return to the old routine without substances. It is to build a routine that better supports recovery.

Rebuilding Relationships After Rehab

Relationships can be one of the most complicated parts of life after rehab.

Loved ones may be hopeful while still feeling cautious. The person returning from treatment may want relationships to return to normal immediately, while family members may need time before trust feels secure.

Both experiences can exist at the same time.

Rebuilding relationships often depends on consistent actions.

Following through on treatment, respecting boundaries, communicating honestly, keeping commitments, and taking responsibility for behavior can gradually rebuild trust.

It is also important to recognize that not every previous relationship supports recovery.

Someone may need greater distance from people connected to past substance use or relationships that repeatedly create instability.

Recovery can involve building new friendships and social routines in addition to repairing old relationships.

Relapse Prevention After Rehab

Relapse prevention is not simply about trying harder not to use substances.

A useful relapse-prevention plan identifies the situations, emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns that can increase risk and establishes specific actions to take when they appear.

Triggers may include stress, conflict, loneliness, grief, celebrations, certain places, specific people, physical pain, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, boredom, or exposure to alcohol and drugs.

Triggers do not automatically cause relapse.

They are signals that coping strategies and support may need to be used.

Early Relapse Warning Signs

A return to substance use may sometimes be preceded by changes in behavior or thinking.

Potential warning signs can include withdrawing from supportive people, repeatedly missing therapy or recovery activities, romanticizing previous substance use, returning to high-risk environments, becoming increasingly isolated, neglecting sleep or nutrition, hiding problems from the treatment team, or experiencing escalating cravings without asking for help.

One warning sign does not necessarily mean relapse will occur.

The value of recognizing these changes early is that the recovery plan can be adjusted before the situation becomes more difficult.

What to Do When Cravings Return

Cravings can occur even after substantial periods of recovery.

Having a craving does not mean treatment failed.

The important question is what happens next.

A relapse-prevention plan can identify specific actions such as contacting a therapist, calling a recovery support person, attending a meeting, leaving a triggering environment, using coping skills developed during treatment, reviewing reasons for recovery, or requesting a clinical reassessment when cravings become persistent or difficult to manage.

Cravings that become stronger, more frequent, or harder to control should not be hidden out of fear that someone will be disappointed.

They are clinically relevant information.

What Happens if Someone Relapses After Rehab?

A return to substance use should be taken seriously, particularly because tolerance to some substances can decrease during abstinence and increase overdose risk.

The appropriate response depends on what happened.

A brief return to use may indicate that the continuing-care plan needs additional support. Repeated substance use, severe withdrawal risk, overdose, psychiatric instability, or an unsafe environment may require reassessment for a higher level of care.

The priority should be safety and re-engagement with appropriate treatment.

If someone is unresponsive, breathing very slowly, not breathing, or showing other signs of an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.

Returning to treatment does not require waiting until substance use becomes as severe as it was before rehab.

Earlier intervention may prevent a more serious recurrence.

How Long Does Aftercare Last?

There is no universal deadline for aftercare.

Some people benefit from formal continuing-care services for months. Others maintain some form of therapy, psychiatric care, peer support, recovery meetings, or other support for much longer.

The appropriate duration depends on progress and individual needs.

Instead of asking only, “When can I stop aftercare?” it may be more useful to ask:

Is recovery stable?
Are cravings manageable?
Is the living environment supportive?
Are mental health symptoms being addressed?
Is the person consistently using coping strategies?
Are supportive relationships in place?
Can the person recognize warning signs and ask for help early?

As stability increases, formal treatment may become less frequent while recovery support continues in other forms.

The objective is sustainable independence, not independence as quickly as possible.

Continuing Recovery at Tulip Hill Recovery

Tulip Hill Recovery provides addiction and dual diagnosis treatment in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with levels of care that can change as recovery progresses.

For someone who still needs substantial daytime structure after a higher level of treatment, PHP in Murfreesboro may provide an appropriate transition.

As greater stability develops, IOP in Murfreesboro can provide continued therapy and accountability while allowing more time for work, school, family, and everyday responsibilities.

Treatment can then transition toward lower-frequency outpatient support and an individualized aftercare plan.

There is no requirement that everyone move through recovery at exactly the same pace.

The appropriate next step depends on current needs.

If you are preparing to leave rehab, have recently completed treatment, or are concerned that your current recovery plan is no longer providing enough support, Tulip Hill Recovery can help you explore the appropriate level of care.

Call Tulip Hill Recovery at 629-201-2726 or verify your insurance benefits to learn more about continuing addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life After Rehab

What happens after you finish rehab?

After rehab, many people continue treatment at a lower level of intensity. Depending on individual needs, this may include PHP, IOP, outpatient therapy, sober living, psychiatric care, recovery meetings, medication management, or an aftercare program. The goal is to gradually increase independence while maintaining appropriate support.

What should you do immediately after rehab?

Following the continuing-care plan created before discharge is an important first step. This may include attending scheduled treatment or therapy, taking medications as prescribed, establishing a recovery-supportive living environment, avoiding known triggers, connecting with supportive people, and knowing who to contact if cravings or other problems increase.

What is the next step after residential rehab?

The next step depends on clinical stability and individual needs. Some people transition from residential treatment into PHP, while others may be ready for IOP or another outpatient level of care. An assessment can help determine the appropriate amount of structure.

Can you work while receiving treatment after rehab?

Often, yes. IOP and standard outpatient treatment can allow many people to work, attend school, care for family members, and manage other responsibilities while continuing treatment. The appropriate schedule depends on the person’s clinical needs and program requirements.

Should you go to sober living after rehab?

Sober living may be helpful when someone’s home environment does not adequately support recovery or when additional accountability would make the transition from intensive treatment safer and more stable. It is not necessary for everyone.

How long does aftercare last?

There is no single aftercare timeline that applies to everyone. The length and intensity of support should reflect recovery stability, relapse risk, mental health needs, living environment, treatment progress, and other individual factors.

How often should you attend therapy after rehab?

Therapy frequency depends on the level of care and individual treatment plan. Someone in PHP or IOP may participate in treatment several times each week, while someone with established stability may attend therapy less frequently.

What are common relapse warning signs after rehab?

Potential warning signs can include increasing isolation, skipping treatment or recovery activities, returning to high-risk environments, romanticizing previous substance use, neglecting healthy routines, hiding problems, or experiencing escalating cravings without seeking support.

What should you do if you relapse after rehab?

Contact a treatment professional and seek reassessment rather than waiting for substance use to become more severe. The continuing-care plan may need to be adjusted, and some situations may require a higher level of treatment. Call 911 immediately for a suspected overdose or other medical emergency.

Does insurance cover treatment after rehab?

Many commercial insurance plans may provide benefits for PHP, IOP, outpatient addiction treatment, mental health care, and other continuing services when treatment is medically necessary. Coverage depends on the specific plan, network status, deductible, authorization requirements, and recommended level of care.

Sources and References

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Treatment Improvement Protocol 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment and Recovery.
American Society of Addiction Medicine. The ASAM Criteria.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Helpline and Treatment Resources.

Clinical Review

Medically ReviewedDr. Vahid Osman, M.D.
Psychiatrist & Addictionologist
Clinically ReviewedJosh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Clinical Social Worker

This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical, psychiatric, or addiction-treatment advice. Treatment recommendations should be based on an assessment by qualified healthcare professionals.

Continue Recovery With Support in Murfreesboro, TN

If you are preparing to leave rehab, have recently completed treatment, or feel that your current recovery plan is no longer providing enough support, Tulip Hill Recovery can help you explore an appropriate next level of care.

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What To Do When Your Loved One Is Drinking Too Much?

What To Do When Your Loved One Is Drinking Too Much?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Healthy Tips, Support.

If your loved one has a drinking problem, it doesn’t only affect them. Alcohol abuse and addiction impact family members, friends, and other loved ones too. It can strain your relationship, cause you to worry and stress over their well-being, or lead you to deny their problem completely.

The good news is that you are not alone in your struggles. Scientists and medics across the globe are constantly working to provide effective advice and treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Around ⅓ of people who attend treatment for AUD have no symptoms a year later, and many others substantially reduce their drinking.

If you are worried about a loved one drinking too much, there is hope. Talking to your loved one about their problem and encouraging them to get help can be the first step on the road to recovery.

How Do I Know If a Loved One Has a Drinking Problem?

Drinking alcohol in moderation is a normal part of many cultures and not something to worry about. But excessive drinking or binge drinking can be extremely damaging to someone’s health, social, and work life. Consuming too much alcohol can increase your risk of brain damage, heart disease, and liver failure and leads to the death of around 178,000 people each year in the United States.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know if your loved one is drinking excessive amounts. However, recognizing a drinking problem is crucial and the first step in getting help. Here are some signs to watch out for:

  • Regularly neglecting obligations, responsibilities, and commitments in their work, home, or social life
  • Frequently binge drinking or drinking more than they say they want to
  • Lying or trying to hide how much they are drinking
  • Being unable to remember what they did under the influence of alcohol
  • Continuing to drink even when they know it is harming their health
  • Using alcohol as a coping mechanism or as a way to self-medicate for underlying mental health disorders

How Can I Talk to Someone About Their Drinking?

If you think your loved one is drinking too much, it is important to be open about your concerns. While you cannot force someone to stop drinking, you can let them know the steps they can take to address their problem. This might be speaking to a therapist, participating in support groups, or attending a treatment center.

Here are some tips to guide you through the conversation:

  • Speak to your loved one when they are not drinking, and you are both calm and focused
  • Voice your concerns in a compassionate way
  • Encourage your loved one to be honest about the reasons for their drinking
  • Don’t threaten to punish or bribe your loved one
  • Don’t blame yourself for their behavior or make excuses for it
  • Consider staging an intervention with the guidance of a professional therapist

How Can I Encourage a Loved One to Get Help?

Stopping drinking is not an easy process, and almost everyone needs some kind of support. If your loved one is physically dependent on alcohol, they may need medical assistance to withdraw safely. Even if they’re not, they likely need support to develop the skills to overcome addiction and make meaningful changes to their lifestyle.

You can encourage a loved one to get help by:

  • Accompanying them to a meeting with a therapist or treatment center
  • Being by their side when they call an advice helpline
  • Helping them make a plan of what changes they need to make and how they can do it

Remember, even after attending treatment, your loved one will still need your support. Adjusting to a sober life and overcoming the challenges it presents can be a difficult process that requires energy and commitment. However, with the right support, sobriety is possible for anyone – and it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Why Is There Still So Much Shame and Stigma Around AddictionRecovery

Why Is There Still So Much Shame and Stigma Around Addiction?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Support.

With millions of Americans suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol, you might think that it would be a common and accepted problem in society. But, unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma and shame surrounding addiction. Stigma and discrimination can be problematic for those suffering from addiction-inducing feelings of guilt and shame, which can be a barrier to recovery.

What Is Stigma?

Stigma is when there is a widespread societal negative opinion on a certain subject. In the context of addiction, stigma incorrectly characterizes the condition as a personal failing rather than a medical condition.

This could include people thinking that substance users are lazy, amoral, or otherwise incapable of dealing with the pressures of life. This couldn’t be further from the truth – addiction is extremely complex and often involves many factors outside the user’s control.

What Causes Shame and Stigma Around Addiction?

Negative Portrayals in the Media

The media plays an important role in shaping the views of the general public. Research in this field has shown that TV shows, movies, and fiction books are likely to portray people suffering from addiction negatively.

Negative media portrayals often frame the problem as the fault of the person suffering from addiction – even though we know that it is a complex health problem caused by a range of issues. This not only affects people’s empathy levels towards those suffering from the condition, but it also can make people reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment.

This can result in feeling cast out from society, which sets a vicious cycle of using substances to cover up these difficult feelings.

Self-reliance Culture

American culture often promotes self-reliance and individuality. This can be amazingly positive, but it can also spill over into feeling ashamed for asking for help and support.

For example, society encourages males to be real men and bottle up their feelings – branding the sharing of emotions as a female trait. Addiction treatment requires talking about deep and difficult feelings and opening up to people. If people feel this is a weak thing to do, it can perpetuate shameful feelings and make recovery more difficult to attain.

The Shame Cycle

The shame of addiction can lead people to keep their problems to themselves, making it harder to reach out to family and friends for support. The stigma around addiction can also make people suffering from these mental health issues blame themselves and feel unworthy of recovery.

Shame is a powerfully negative emotion that can lead us to engage more in addictive behaviors. This pattern is what researchers call the shame cycle – as shame and addiction exacerbate one another.

How Can You Deal with Stigma?

There are several different ways to deal with the stigma that can accompany a mental health problem like addiction, such as:

  • Getting professional mental health treatment. Don’t let the fear of stigmatized labels keep you from getting the help you need and deserve!
  • Refuse to be isolated. Stigma can isolate us from those around us, leading us to internalize it further. You can beat this by reaching out and connecting with loved ones and telling them what you’re struggling with.
  • Remember: it’s not personal. Most people who buy into addiction stigma do so because they don’t understand it or have only seen negative portrayals in the media. There are no judgments on you as an individual, but on the society they have grown up in. Remembering this can help take the sting out of insensitive comments.
  • Join a local group campaigning against stigma. All over the world, people are coming together to fight for better support for mental health problems and to end the stigma that often surrounds this. Joining a group can help you feel better about yourself in the short term and help make the world an easier place to live for everyone in the future.

To recover from addiction, it is important to challenge the shame you may feel. You are not alone, and you do not need to feel ashamed. Trained therapists, your loved ones, and your community can support you in this process. Together, it is possible to break the cycle of shame and addiction and begin your recovery journey.

Contact Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN, today.

Ethical Substance Addiction Treatment

What Is Ethical Substance Addiction Treatment?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Support.

Ethics refers to the important codes that protect clients and professionals before, during, and after treatment. In reaching out to a rehab center, you’re putting a lot of trust in their hands – they’ll be responsible for caring for you in some of your most vulnerable times.

Quality addiction programs won’t take their position of responsibility lightly – they’ll communicate and uphold their own high standards to make sure your treatment progresses safely and effectively. 

You’ve got to know that you can trust them – most treatment centers will provide some information about their ethical standards practice. However, they can be tricky to understand if you’ve never seen them before. This blog will shed some light on what ethical substance addiction treatment means.  

Four Cornerstones of Medical Ethics

Different treatment centers will have varying ethical groundwork. That said, across them all (and across the entire medical field), there are four key principles you can expect to underlie their values:

1. Autonomy

You should expect your autonomy – your right to make your own decisions regarding your treatment – to be upheld from your first interaction to your last. Generally speaking, this means you have the final say in whether you will receive addiction treatment, which therapies you receive, the option to leave the program if you wish, and so on. If you’ve got certain expectations and needs, doctors need to consider them when making a recommendation. 

2. Justice

Justice means that within your treatment center, doctors will treat patients equally. For example, in an addiction treatment center, clients will be treated fairly regardless of gender, race, age, SUD, or other disorders. 

3. Beneficence

This one is fairly straightforward. Beneficence refers to the moral obligation, or duty, of the medical professional to act in the interests of and for the good of the patient. This tenant of ethical treatment is limited by the patient autonomy we mentioned before. Your specialist has a moral obligation to treat you but is still limited by what you choose for yourself. 

4. Nonmaleficence

You may have heard the common doctor’s motto, “first, do no harm”. Nonmaleficence is a term that’s describing this value. In addiction treatment, this means offering only types of treatment that are informed by best practices, research, and other objective methods.

Since we are sometimes prescribed scheduled substances, this also means explaining the side effects and habit-forming potential of any prescription medications offered. You came to treatment to help yourself – it’s important doctors help you to understand the risk of any decisions you make.

Nationwide Organizations

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) is a large group of providers who have chosen to abide by the same treatment, management, facility, and marketing rules. When we focus on their treatment code, you can see how the criteria for membership appears to uphold different pillars of the standard medical ethics code. Their treatment:

  • follows the same admissions, treatment, continuing care, and referral criteria regardless of the client. (Justice)
  • offers competent holistic treatment that addresses client needs. (Beneficence)
  • protects the human rights and dignity of the client and family. (Justice)
  • engages clients from start to finish in treatment planning and decision-making. (Autonomy)
  • is appropriately licensed for all services they offer requiring it. (Nonmaleficence)

Meanwhile, the largest association of addiction professionals in the US, the NAADAC, has an extensive ethical code covering a wide range of points of conflict, from personal beliefs to heritage to methodology and advocacy. Their code is too complex to include here but is an excellent example of what an in-depth ethics code looks like for an individual professional. They also include the four tenants as key concepts in their introduction to ethical standards. 

Countless smaller providers will have their personal ethical codes listed on their websites. If you’re ever uncertain about the ethics of a treatment program, these two codes make good cross-references for the standard of care when choosing who you entrust to help begin your recovery journey. 

Contact Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN, today to learn more.

ptsd signs and symptoms

PTSD Signs and Symptoms That May Mean You Need Help

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Mental Health, Support.

Addiction may develop on its own from simply abusing a substance or alcohol for too long. However, addiction also often develops as a result of a co-occuring mental health disorder. As a means of coping with the symptoms of their mental health disorder, people turn to using substances or alcohol.

One condition that often fuels an urge to consume substances or alcohol as a coping mechanism is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Exactly is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing an extremely traumatic event. Circumstances that cause such experiences often include war, sexual assault, automile accidents, natural disasters or an animal attack.

Sufferers of PTSD usually experience triggers that bring back memories of the traumatic event. Along with these memories comes intense emotional and physical reactions. This may take place in the form of extreme nightmares when sleeping or as flashbacks when experiencing a form of trigger while awake.

PTSD Signs and Symptoms

PTSD signs and symptoms vary from person to person depending on a number of factors, such as the experience itself, the person’s background, the person’s training and the support (or lack thereof) they have.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD may be best understood by breaking them down in categories. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms for a month or longer, you may need to seek treatment for PTSD. Especially if the symptoms are driving the urge to use substances or alcohol.

Flashbacks

  • Sudden experience of memories of the traumatic event after some sort of triggering experience.
  • Nightmares.
  • Stress when encountering anything that reminds you of the trauma.
  • Physical stress, such as pain, sweating, trembling and nausea.

Heightened alertness

  • Panic.
  • Mood swings.
  • Heightened alertness.
  • Looking for danger where there is none.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Irritability or aggression.
  • Being easily startled.
  • Difficulty concentrating.

Avoidance

  • Avoiding anything that may remind you of trauma, even if this makes your daily life very difficult.
  • Emotional numbness.
  • Physical numbness or detachment.
  • Inability to express your emotions.
  • Inability to remember the details of the traumatic event.
  • Constantly staying busy with something to keep your mind occupied.

Treat your Addiction and PTSD With The Help of a Professional at Tulip Hill Recovery

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we focus on discovering what factors in your life may be contributing to your addiction in order to treat it at its main source. 

Are you ready to talk to someone about treatment for addiction and building a better future for yourself? Please contact us online or call us at 877-845-8192 to get in touch with our team and start your recovery journey.

addiction recovery

Overcoming the stigma surrounding addiction recovery

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Substance Addiction, Support.

Over the past few decades, there has been much progress in professional treatment for substance and alcohol addiction. Professionals have studied the connection between co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction, and have learned that treating both can help provide long-lasting treatment.

However, for as much as treatment has progressed, the negative stigma surrounding substance abuse still remains. The current public view of mental health disorders and addiction comes from a more understanding perspective, but common misconceptions and lack of information still make it difficult for some to find or stick to treatment.

Overcoming stigma about addiction recovery

Stigma is a problem for people who need help recovering from addiction. Stigma is associated with shame or something to be embarrassed about. This can lead to someone denying that they have a problem and refusing the help they need because they would rather live with their addiction than be stigmatized. 

Stigma also leads to lack of action by friends and family who see someone they love struggling with addiction. It’s hard to help a loved one when addiction is stigmatized as a moral failing rather than a disease. 

Reducing stigma in society is not easy. It will take time and effort, but education and understanding can help lower the negative stigma surrounding those who struggle with addiction. Some tips for alleviating addiction recovery stigma include:

  • Education — Understanding how addiction works and why someone can become addicted can help reduce stigma.
  • Conversation — Discussing alcohol and substance addiction more openly and on public platforms helps humanize the conditions and break down stigma surrounding it. Conversation on public platforms also helps show people that recovery is possible, which can encourage someone who needs help to seek treatment.
  • Compassion — If you notice signs of addiction in someone you care about, please take action. Someone who is struggling with addiction might not consider seeking treatment until another person brings it up to them. Remember to be patient, supportive and encouraging, not angry or disappointed.

Take the first step to recovery at Tulip Hill Recovery

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we focus on discovering what factors in life may be contributing to addiction in order to treat it at its main source. 

Are you ready to talk to someone about treatment for addiction and building a better future for yourself? Please contact us online or call us at 877-845-8192 to get in touch with our team and start your recovery journey.

how to talk to someone with an addiction

How to Talk to Someone with an Addiction About Getting Help

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Substance Addiction, Support.

It’s difficult to watch someone you care about destroy their lives with alcohol or substances. However, you can’t force them to get treatment for addiction. They have to come to this realization themselves and take the first steps to get help. 

On the surface level, talking to someone about addiction might seem easy. But when someone you care about shows signs of alcohol or substance abuse, then you know that talking to them about it can be one of the hardest things in the world to do.

Everyone struggling with addiction needs someone by their side advocating for their best interests and helping them see the need for treatment. If someone you know is walking this path, here are some tips that can help you start the conversation with them:

Create a Safe Space for Discussion

It is important to create a safe space for discussion. People suffering from addiction may benefit from hearing from you and being able to respond. If other people are going to be involved in a conversation, let the person who is struggling with addiction know that a few of you would like to talk in a safe place and that you are willing to hear them out as well. 

Express Concern; Don’t Accuse

It’s easy to get emotional when confronting someone about their addiction. Without preparation, your emotions can get the best of you, causing you to come across aggressively and accusatory. 

Rehearse ahead of time how you would like to express your concern. Avoid saying things like “You did [blank]” or “You’re an addict.” Instead, say things like “I am concerned about how [blank] is affecting your health” or “I have noticed that you seem to be using more [blank] than before.” These types of statements are more neutral and factual, opening the doors to conversation rather than scaring the person off.

Show Them the Path They Are Going Down

A person who is addicted to substances or alcohol may not recognize the patterns of addiction in their lives that are obvious to you from the outside. You can attempt to help them see how their addiction is affecting their family, friendships, work and education. This can often open their eyes to how everything may likely play out in these areas if they continue to misuse substances or alcohol. These types of realizations can be a powerful tool for helping someone recognize the need for treatment.

Be patient

You might not get through to them after the first conversation. Maybe not even the second or third. But it’s important to remain patient and diligent. Your diligence demonstrates your care and the weight of your concern, which can ultimately help them make a decision to seek treatment.

You may also need to be ready for any defensiveness. Someone who is addicted to a substance or alcohol is not usually open to giving it up. They will deny obvious problems, accuse you of misjudgment and even get angry at you. It’s important to listen and let them express themselves, but you ultimately need to continue to be firm in your conviction that they should seek treatment.

Help your Loved One Find Freedom from Addiction at Tulip Hill Recovery

It’s hard to watch someone you care about destroy themselves with addiction, which is why the time to take action is now. If you believe someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can contact Tulip Hill Recovery today to find out how we can treat them and how you can approach them about contacting us for treatment.

Please contact us online or call us at 877-845-8192 to get in touch with our team and help your loved one take back control of their life.

how to help a drug addict

How to Help Someone You Know With Drug Addiction

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Drug Addiction, Support.

It is difficult and painful to watch someone you care about struggle with an addiction to substance use. Substance abuse can affect their personal lives, professional lives, and relationships with you and other friends or family. When you witness this type of destructive behavior, one of the most difficult but important things you can do is to approach them about their addiction and offer to help.

It’s important to understand that no one expects you to have all the answers or know how to treat an addiction. That’s a task for professionals. The best thing you can do is to encourage them to acknowledge the issue, help them find treatment, and support them through their treatment and afterward.

Learn About Addiction

Before you can help someone get treatment for addiction, you should take a moment to learn about addiction first. The person you care about may be going through a hard time and substances happen to be involved in a moment of weakness, but this might not necessarily be the sign of an addiction.

Learn about the symptoms of substance use disorder so you can observe if any of them are affecting the person you care about. If they are, then it may be time to intervene.

Practice What You Want to Say

Talking to someone about addiction can be very difficult. Emotions are involved, which can lead to stumbling through your words, angry outbursts and negative speech. This can end up driving your loved one further away, rather than encouraging them to get help.

Think about what you want to say and practice it in your head or out loud before having the actual conversation. Reflect on the symptoms of addiction and what you see in them. Reflect on how their addiction is affecting their personal and professional lives and how it strains your relationship with them. They may need to hear this from you to help them recognize that there is a problem and that they need real help.

Additionally, be sure to use positive language from your perspective. Stating something like “You’re addicted to drugs” might sound aggressive or accusatory. Instead, something like “I love you and I am concerned about how your substance use is affecting your health” may be more appropriate.

Listen

After you say what you feel is important to say, you need to be prepared for their response. Listen patiently to what they have to say. Someone struggling with addiction is usually in denial of the problem and can be resistant to change, so they may respond angrily or refuse to agree with what you have said. This is not a time to argue or talk over one another. Let them speak their mind too. Affirm that you hear what they are saying and offer a response only after listening. 

Help vs. Control

You cannot force someone you care about to get help for addiction, even if you think it’s the best thing for them. Even if you could force them into help, it wouldn’t work as well as it could if they come to admit they are struggling and make a decision to seek help themselves.

Your role is one of support. You can help them recognize the problem. You can help them find treatment. You can help them throughout their recovery journey. You can help support them afterward to stay sober. But you cannot help them by trying to force them to do something they don’t want to do. Be patient with them, keep talking to them about their addiction and be ready to help when they want it.

Start the Recovery Journey at Tulip Hill Recovery

No one can overcome substance addiction on their own. They need the help of professionals who can treat addiction and help them manage any co-occurring mental health disorders that fuel addiction. However, before all of that, they need you.

If someone you love or care about is struggling with substance addiction, the best time to help them is now. At Tulip Hill Recovery, we provide treatment for addiction and manage any co-occurring mental health disorders. We’re here to talk if you have any questions about the recovery process or how to talk to a loved one about getting treatment.

Please contact us to get in touch with our team and help the person you care about get the treatment they need.

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