What to Do After
Treatment for Alcoholism

The Process for Taking Action After Treatment for Alcoholism

Creating a post-treatment plan is an essential component to any addiction recovery program – and plan adherence serves as the essential link to maintaining long-term sobriety and quality of life. Begin developing an after-care treatment plan by working with your therapist, counselor or other treatment center professionals.

Continue with therapy. Ongoing sessions with a trusted counselor or professional helps to address new and recurrent issues or problems. When confronted with something you don’t know how to handle, a desire to turn to what you know best (getting drunk or high) may become overwhelming. There is no problem too small or large that a trained professional can’t help you with. It’s better to seek advice and look for solutions than to return to using drugs or alcohol.

Keep your body healthy. This part of the after care plan should involve listing ways you can keep your body functioning at optimum levels. Some steps may include:

• Nutrition and eating right are essential. There have been studies recently showing that the right intake of calories, vitamins and nutrients, staves off the craving and can be help advance treatment for alcoholism. When your body feels good, the chances are you can better fight the cravings for addictive substances.

• Drink lots of water. Water hydrates the body and maintains your body temperature. Proper hydration allows for smoother waste elimination, and keeps the body emotionally balanced. Experts that work in the crisis industry (rape crisis centers, nurses in emergency or triage, etc.) have long known the power of water in regulating a person’s mood. It has a calming effect. An added bonus among many, water keeps your skin from drying out.

• Exercise. Find an exercise routine and stick with it after treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction. If you like the gym or workout centers, get a membership Take evening walks in your neighborhood after dinner. Use stairs wherever you go instead of elevators. Remember to find exercises that will bring your heart rate up and those that include warm-up, stretching and resistance training.

• Keep your teeth clean. Arrange for a dental exam following treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction. Alcohol and drugs damage teeth and gums severely over time. Studies have shown that excessive plaque and tartar on the teeth carries through to our blood stream and creates a plaque build up in the arteries. This means potential heart problems and cardiovascular disease.

Find your spiritual path. Whatever spirituality means to you, after treatment for alcoholism or addiction, discover or re-discover what it is that gives you strength through the hard times. Returning to a spiritual place that made you feel connected, worthy or special will help.

Find your inner creativity. Do you like to draw, paint, dance, cook or play music?. Creativity gives a sense of self-worth and accomplishment and creative expression is valuable for anyone recovering from an addiction. Start identifying your creative processes with your treatment plan.

When preparing your after care plan, make sure it’s what you want. Your therapist may suggest initiatives for your after care plan -- and family and friends may offer advice. Yet, in the end, the treatment plan belongs to you and must be tailored to achieving your goal of abstinence. If the plan is one you want and can live with, then chances are more likely that you will respect it and follow through with the action items to stay sober for many years to come.

Related Information

Return HOME from Treatment for Alcoholism: After-care Steps