Important post treatment steps to ensure long term recovery

Two of the most important factors that can help a person as they strive toward long-term recovery from addiction are participation in a long-term recovery program and support from their families.

One of the most commonly-used axioms about addiction treatment is that the addict has to want help in order for the treatment to work. While this might be true, this doesn't mean that a person will quit just because they want to. Many people try and fail multiple times to stop using drugs or alcohol, or will have a relapse after completing their drug or alcohol rehab. This doesn't mean that they are bad people or don't really want to quit - they are simply dealing with very powerful chemical dependencies that have changed how their brains recognize pleasure.

Despite the reality that even successfully completing a course in an alcohol or drug rehab facility might not mean getting clean and sober, there are things that people can do to increase the odds of their long-term freedom from dependence on drugs and alcohol. One of the first things that a person can do is to join a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or another group support network. Many studies have shown that people who leave alcohol and drug treatment have a better shot at seeing long-term results if they immediately get into a program as soon as they leave their initial program. Being around people who are going through similar problems can let addicts in recovery know they are not alone and give them people to lean on when things are rough.

Another important factor in the success of a person after leaving an alcohol or drug addiction center is the support of their friends and family. Again, this comes down to having a solid support network that is there to support the person on their long road to sobriety. This means having people there who will stand up to them if they begin to relapse and not hesitate to send them back to drug rehab, but also are willing to show their support if something does happen.

- Annabeth Morrison is a freelance writer living in Port Royal, Pennsylvania. She has written for major magazines, newspapers and online news sites.