When drug addicts recover and leave rehab, the sobriety journey doesn’t end there. They still need to undergo some treatment and therapy sessions to ensure that they don’t relapse.
The counselor who played an active role during the drug addiction treatment will still be present to ensure that the recovering individual does not relapse.
Here are some of the responsibilities of the counselor during aftercare treatment
Identify and cope with triggers
Not everyone who has recovered from drug addiction knows how to recognize and manage triggers. This is why when they are exposed to some factors, it triggers them to relapse.
The counselor is well aware of this possibility and this is why they help recovering individuals to learn how to identify triggers.
For instance, spotting these triggers could involve not being around people who take drugs. It might also involve avoiding stressful situations that would not trigger your addiction.
Continued motivation
The counselor also helps people who have recovered from drug addiction to keep applying measures that will sustain their sobriety.
Some people are likely to give up at some point especially when they begin to miss their old way of life. With the help of the counselor, they will be able to forge through life as a sober person.
Diagnosing other disorders
Some people who recover from addiction might be dealing with other disorders that they are not aware of. For instance, the individual might have recovered fully from drug addiction but they may still be experiencing mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
These mental health problems might also trigger a relapse if left unchecked. The counselor helps to recognize these problems, so that a solution can be provided.
Involve your family and friends
The counselor also helps to get your family and friends involved in your journey to sobriety. They ensure that your loved ones participate in some of your counseling sessions because it comes with a profound effect on your recovery.