Aftercare Program
Extensive research indicates that the best treatment outcomes for continued recovery include a 12-month aftercare program.
Aftercare Program at GreeneStone Muskoka
Studies also show that extended treatment periods are much more effective in achieving longer-term recovery. Regardless of the point of origin, aftercare is an essential part of any successful recovery program. We assist in the often difficult transition to everyday life; our goal is to provide you with a seamless transition back to your home and family. We offer an aftercare program in the greater Toronto area or we can facilitate referrals in the community of your choice. Additional fees apply for these services.
A word about relapse
At GreeneStone, we understand that a relapse can occur in any person suffering from any chronic illness, including addiction. Just as a person with diabetes can experience complications because they were unable to follow the treatment regime prescribed by his or her doctor, so, too, can an addict struggle with a recurrence of symptoms.
The relapse event is not a blemish on a person’s character, but an unfortunate reality of having a chronic illness that does not go away with time. The relapse and recovery rates for addiction are similar to those for other serious chronic illnesses. That is why at GreeneStone we encourage our patients to not only remain vigilant, but also to also come back for alumni retreats, engage their families in the treatment process and follow aftercare instructions when back in their home environment. We are always here to help.
Why abstinence
American Society of Addiction Medicine has defined Addiction as follows:
“Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.”
For people with the disease of addiction, abstinence is most preferred manner of treatment. A person with brain chemistry that impairs his or her ability to control their impulses does not have the ability to stop with a moderate amount of drug or alcohol use. As discussed above, if the person could just stop when they wanted to do so, then they are, by definition, not an addict. A person with a peanut allergy cannot just eat a small amount of peanuts and hope to remain well. Any amount is too much and could be deadly. Likewise, with an addict; there is no small amount that is acceptable, as any amount can lead to uncontrolled consumption and, potentially, death.
Fortunately, we have medications that can help with cravings, help stabilize brain chemistry and support recovery. Research has conclusively shown that the safest treatment for the disease of addiction is complete abstinence from alcohol or the drug of choice. With time and training, the addict can lead a normal life, but it must be without the substance that cannot be voluntarily controlled.
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