Many people begin to feel better after detox—so much better, that they may feel they don’t need to stay for the full duration of treatment. Leaving treatment against medical advice (AMA) can ruin a client’s chances of recovery. There are many other factors related to one’s addiction that require a longer period of time to address. It is the period after detox, when a client is capable of engaging in their treatment program, that is of crucial importance to develop the tools necessary to maintain their sobriety. It is easy for one to feel that they have overcome their addiction once they detoxify their body of drugs and alcohol. They begin to feel physically and mentally better and the fog of addiction begins to clear in their minds. Reentering the “real world” at this stage, however, could be disastrous. Addiction is a cycle, as described by the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous: “After they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do, and the phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again. This is repeated over and over, and unless this person can experience an entire psychic change there is very little hope of his recovery.” After detox, one has often made a firm resolution not to drink or use drugs again. However, without the necessary therapeutic interventions and education provided by treatment, there is little chance that they will not relapse if they decide to leave treatment early. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “A patient may require varying combinations of services and treatment components during the course of treatment and recovery. In addition to counseling or psychotherapy, a patient may require medication, medical services, family therapy, parenting instruction, vocational rehabilitation, and/or social and legal services. For many patients, a continuing care approach provides the best results, with the treatment intensity varying according to a person’s changing needs.” If a client chooses to leave early, they will not reap the full benefits or the treatments and services provided by the treatment center. Addiction is complex and requires more than just time away from drugs or alcohol. Effective treatment takes into account the individual’s specific needs and tailors a variety of techniques and therapies to aid the client in developing defenses against relapse. When a client leaves too soon, they are unable to address the full scope of their problem, and are likely to relapse.
Your story can be one of recovery and redemption in sobriety. You can make the decision to seek help today and begin the journey to a brighter future, free from the pain of addiction and alcoholism. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers cutting-edge therapeutic techniques and methodologies to meet your specific needs. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
