When Michael walked out of his third rehab facility, his family thought he’d finally turned a corner. He seemed to be doing well with his recovery. But six weeks later, his mother found herself rushing Michael to the emergency room after finding him unconscious in his apartment.
What happened between Michael’s discharge from rehab and his relapse in the following weeks? This would ordinarily be a period of aftercare that supports the individual in re-establishing independence and embracing their recovery after a treatment episode.
Unfortunately, Michael’s story is a common one for families of a chronic relapser. Treatment, hope, non-compliance, and finally relapse. Countless families watch their loved one struggle with this destructive cycle, often feeling powerless to break it.
I’ve seen this scenario play out time and again. It’s why the Burning Tree team works to ensure compliance with aftercare plans through careful planning and building total accountability from our care team, our clients, and their families.
That doesn’t mean aftercare is easy. Let’s take a look at why noncompliance in aftercare is an issue for some individuals.
What Do Aftercare Instructions Usually Include?
Aftercare instructions aren’t just a “good luck and goodbye” handshake as you leave treatment (or at least, they shouldn’t be). They’re a lifeline – a carefully crafted plan designed to help individuals navigate the treacherous waters of the early days of recovery, before the foundations of independence and self-care are securely in place.
Here’s what a typical aftercare plan might include:
- Regular therapy or counseling sessions
- Medication management, if needed
- Active participation in 12 step support group meetings
- Accountability from peers, family, and staff
- Structured transitional living
These aren’t arbitrary rules. Each component plays a crucial role in maintaining sobriety and building a foundation for long-term recovery.
Watching for Signs of Non-Compliance With Aftercare Plans
Non-compliance isn’t always obvious. It’s not like someone announces, “Hey, I’ve decided to ignore my aftercare plan!” Instead, it often creeps in subtly, masquerading as harmless choices or justified exceptions. Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial for intervention and support.
Making Excuses to Skip Therapy Sessions
“I’m too busy” or “I don’t need it anymore” are common excuses for skipping therapy. These rationalizations often mask deeper issues like fear of vulnerability or resistance to change. Consistent counseling is crucial for addressing underlying issues, developing coping strategies, and preventing relapse.
Independent Decisions on Taking Medication
For those with co-occurring mental health disorders, medication compliance is key to maintaining stability in recovery. Non-compliance might look like skipping doses, adjusting doses without medical guidance, or stopping medication altogether. This can lead to a resurgence of mental health symptoms, increasing the risk of relapse as individuals may turn to substances to self-medicate.
Resisting Support Networks
Support groups and 12-step programs provide invaluable peer support, accountability, and a sense of community. When someone starts finding creative reasons to skip meetings, it’s often a sign they’re disconnecting from their recovery network. This isolation can be dangerous, as it removes a crucial layer of support and understanding that’s essential in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Returning to Old Habits, Routines, and Behaviors
Returning to old hangouts, reconnecting with drinking or using buddies, or slipping back into unhealthy lifestyle patterns are all warning signs that aftercare isn’t being taken seriously. These behaviors indicate a dangerous proximity to old triggers and habits. It’s a slippery slope that can quickly lead to full-blown relapse if not addressed promptly.
Why Does Non-Compliance Happen?
It’s necessary to understand the reasons behind non-compliance before we can prevent it. There are often an interplay of factors from individual circumstances to mental health that compound each other. Below are a few examples I can give from my own experience.
Overconfidence After Residential Treatment
Early recovery can sometimes bring a false sense of security, often referred to as the “pink cloud” effect. People feel great and think they’ve conquered their addiction, leading them to believe they don’t need ongoing support. This overconfidence can cause individuals to underestimate the ongoing challenges of recovery, making them vulnerable to relapse.
Untreated Mental Health Conditions
Untreated mental health conditions can make sticking to a recovery plan feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops. These conditions can sap energy, distort thinking, and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Without proper management, mental health issues can sabotage even the most well-intentioned recovery efforts.
Weak Support Networks
Without a strong support network and family involvement, maintaining motivation for recovery can feel impossible. Isolation can lead to increased stress, negative thought patterns, and a higher risk of returning to substance use. Building and maintaining healthy relationships is a crucial, yet often challenging, aspect of sustained recovery.
Unresolved Issues When Returning to Independent Living
If the root causes of addiction haven’t been adequately addressed, the pull of old habits can overpower the best intentions. Unresolved trauma, deep-seated emotional pain, or ingrained negative beliefs can act as hidden saboteurs in recovery. Addressing these underlying issues is often a long-term process that requires ongoing therapeutic support. At Burning Tree Ranch, we leverage the principles of the 12-step program to address these issues carefully using the extended length of time in treatment as an asset.
The Ripple Effect of Non-Compliance
When an individual in recovery fails to follow their aftercare plan, the consequences extend far beyond their personal struggle. The ripples of non-compliance can be felt in various aspects of life, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. From strained relationships to financial difficulties, from health setbacks to legal issues, the impact can be profound and far-reaching.
Some consequences of non-compliance include:
- Increased Risk of Relapse: Without the support and structure of aftercare, old patterns can resurface with alarming speed.
- Damage to Relationships: Family and friends who’ve invested in supporting recovery may feel frustrated or betrayed, leading to conflict and eroded trust.
- Deteriorating Physical & Mental Health: Especially for those with co-occurring disorders, neglecting aftercare can lead to a rapid decline in overall well-being.
What Can We Do to Foster Aftercare Compliance?
Supporting a loved one in recovery can be challenging, especially when it comes to encouraging aftercare compliance. It’s a delicate balance of offering support without enabling or controlling. While every situation is unique, there are some practical strategies that many families have found helpful. However, I can offer a few approaches that I’ve found to be more effective for Burning Tree families.
Communicate with Treatment Professionals
Stay in touch with their recovery team. These professionals can provide invaluable insights and strategies for supporting compliance. Regular communication can help you understand your loved one’s progress, challenges, and how best to support their recovery journey.
Engage in Your Own Recovery Efforts
Your active involvement matters more than you might realize. Attend family therapy sessions, participate in Al-Anon and Families Anonymous, educate yourself about addiction and recovery, and create a home environment that supports sobriety. Your commitment to understanding and supporting recovery can significantly increase your loved one’s chances of success.
Encourage Honesty in Therapy
Non-compliance is often a symptom of deeper issues that need addressing. Encourage your loved one to be open about any struggles or resistance they’re feeling in therapy. Creating a safe space for honesty can lead to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Remain Flexible and Open to New Directions
Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and aftercare plans may need adjustments over time. If certain aspects of the plan aren’t working, it’s okay to discuss modifications with the treatment team. The goal is to find a sustainable approach that addresses your loved one’s unique needs and circumstances.
When Standard Aftercare Plans Aren’t Enough
Your average short-term rehab facility usually has some kind of plan for discharge and aftercare. The problem is often that individuals aren’t ready to embrace their sobriety yet.
In cases of chronic relapse and persistent non-compliance, long-term treatment might be necessary. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in these complex cases.
Long-term treatment offers several advantages:
- More time to establish healthy habits and routines
- Deeper exploration of underlying issues
- Gradual, supported transition back to independent living
- Opportunity to practice aftercare compliance in a structured environment
Our approach to aftercare is part of what sets Burning Tree Ranch apart from other recovery programs. We start planning for aftercare very early into treatment, so by the time clients are discharged, these practices are second nature. Our care team makes a concerted effort to provide ongoing support as we transition our clients back to a life of independence.
Tailoring Aftercare to Meet the Needs of the Individual
Our approach to aftercare at Burning Tree Ranch is highly individualized to the chronic relapser.
We work closely with both clients and their families to identify their specific needs, challenges, and goals. This might include ongoing therapy, specialized support groups, vocational training, or strategies for managing co-occurring disorders. Family involvement at this stage is critical for creating a strong foundation for recovery.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by chronic relapse or struggling with aftercare compliance, remember that there’s always hope.
At Burning Tree Ranch all we treat is chronic relapsers. I’ve seen hundreds of individuals who have failed to maintain their sobriety after numerous stints in rehab. And I’ve seen their life change after our program as they finally grab hold of a lasting recovery.
Our highly individualized long-term approach to treatment and aftercare makes a huge difference for these individuals. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging journey, every step of the way.
Until next time,
Brook
