Transitional treatment programs offer a middle road for those that have been in residential treatment and are graduating to a more independent life. For sober living to take effect, many people that are going through this process need more freedoms to apply the skills they have learned while at the treatment center. They refine the skills for their independence, gain confidence in themselves once again and learn real world skills. Young adult addiction often occurs during the time in life that we are gaining independence and finding a path for our lives to follow. The new road that you start on after treatment is the course that will drive your entire future. Finding balance in education, career opportunities, financial stability, hobbies, friends and support groups can help stay the course.
Entering Transitional Treatment
Finding yourself at the end of a long, emotional journey… and you get spit out into the world. You’ve just pieced together your mind, found yourself hidden beneath the ashes of your former self, rising like a phoenix and then what? With the great discovery, it must be nourished, cared for, enriched so that sober living can happen. Relapse is an unfortunate reality for some, but it isn’t the end. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but it is important to be honest with yourself and others about where you are. Finding the moment where you can realize where you are in treatment and finding happiness with who you are is the first step. Transition treatment helps to guard these new strengths, build them up and get each person ready to live a live worth living.
Transitional treatment is used to help guide those that have been at the residential treatment center; whether they were part of the women addiction treatment facilities or the mens addiction treatment facilities they can enter into the transitional treatment centers to help center their knowledge and learn how to apply the skills from treatment in a real world scenario. From finances to cooking; each person can find the confidence in their ability to lead a sober life and manage stress.
For many young adults that suffer with addiction, substance abuse or mental health concerns have paused their progress in life. Instead of moving out with friends and going to college, they were self medicating or trying to cope with stressors that were beyond their control. Women with borderline personality disorder are often diagnosed while in this young adult period. Men can also be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in this stage of life. As our brains begin to take on their adult form; this is the time with the conditions that we are discovering come to a full fruition and present themselves. Genetics, chemical imbalances and substances can all effect the diagnosis that we find in young adulthood.
Maintaining a sober living state can prevent the “failure to launch” scenario. Ending up back with the parents doesn’t give the sense of independence. Gaining independence as an adult is empowering. Nothing can replace the confidence that is felt when clients learn to succeed on their own. Finding jobs, education, learning to balance finances; all of these skills are necessary and can be learned in transitional treatment.
Relapse Prevention
Just because you are full of this knowledge and power with transitional treatment, doesn’t mean you are impervious to temptation. Setting up your life outside of treatment is a methodical process that involved planning and preparing. Finding support groups, outpatient therapy programs, healthy hobbies, establishing exercise regimens and financial means is all part of the preparation for independent living. For those with more severe mental health disorders, it may be necessary to find more extensive outpatient therapy programs and learn how to responsibly manage prescription medications. There are many people that live with severe mental health concerns, like schizophrenia, they just have to adjust to the level of care they need and find support systems to ensure they are available when needed. Schizophrenia and drug abuse are often co-ocurring as those with this disorder try to self medicate. Finding ways to balance medication and therapy can bring a better mind and body balance to help them in finding happiness.
One of the most important skills to prevent relapse and live independently is to know when you need help. Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a normal part of anyone’s life. Looking for the support system outside of treatment, establishing healthy boundaries and creating routines helps safe guard all of the hard work that is done in treatment. Keep your investment in the process safe by building a life with a firm foundation.
Supporting A Loved One
For those on the other side of the process of recovery, support a loved one by listening. As they transition from residential treatment to transitional treatment is as easy as listening. With all of the skills learning in therapy, your loved may tell you what level of support they need. The programs at New Roads Behavioral Health offer group therapy and family therapy to discuss relationships and help gain understanding for each person’s unique journey. Each person will have a different story, different plan and different personalities. With that, remain as open minded as possible. Trust that the person must find their own way and give them space when needed.
Finding activities that are enjoyable together may be one way to reconnect. Building a support system is a very two-sided process. Each side of the support system must be invested and willing to invest time and positive energy. Listen, be honest, be kind and most importantly; be there.
Everyone’s journey is different. Learn how some of our clients have found hope again by finding a new road. You can read more about Amanda’s Recovery or Chris’s Recovery stories on our blog. Each person finds a new road, perhaps reading and listening to their words may help inspire a positive change in your life. As always, if you have questions or need some direction on the next step, please call our helpful admissions team. They can give you information, schedule a tour of our facilities or talk to you about the options for you or someone you love. There is hope, we can help. 888-358-8998