What to do after detox is completed to stay free from alcohol?

Answer 1

A careful assessment is needed to really answer the question well. After a detox, maybe residential treatment is needed. If you have no support system, an extensive history of abuse and failed attempts, an extensive list of substances, and no people around you to help you through, then I would recommend residential treatment. This is NOT the same as sober housing or recovery housing. Residential treatment is really a lock-down environment, but you are NOT in jail. You can leave, but then you're out of the program. The idea is to immerse yourself in treatment around others struggling with the same things, and with all the counseling, support and education that you need. Some programs will allow clients to be on therapeutic methadone or suboxone; others will not.

If that level of treatment is not called for, the Intensive Outpatient may be the ticket. This is where you are in a clean/safe private living situation, or sober/recovery housing, and you spend several hours a day, perhaps 3 days a week, at a clinic or agency. You attend meetings, get counseling, education and support.

For some, even after a detox and depending on lots of other factors, good outpatient counseling will be enough. At this level or any of these levels, treatment may be supplemented with good mental health and psychiatric treatment.

Whatever you do, don't think that a detox has cured you. It has kept you from dying, but unless you want a lifetime of countless detoxes, get the help you need. And don't be discouraged or surprised if it takes a few runs up and down the stairway before the light comes on. Many end up with a few prison bids before reality settles in. But for those who 'see the light', life can be bright again.

You cannot EVER pick up a substance safely, and you CANNOT beat this alone.