What Happens After Inpatient Treatment?
Before your loved one completes their treatment at Hazelden Betty Ford’s Center for Teens, Young Adults, and Family Recovery, they will be provided with a personalized aftercare plan to support their continued recovery. Aftercare is an all-encompassing term referring to further treatment your loved one may be recommended, including outpatient programming and sober housing. All of our aftercare programs vary in specialty and intensity, meaning counselors are able to design plans to fit patients’ exact needs. It has been proven that patients who fully participate in and follow the recommendations of an individualized care plan have the most effective outcomes and sustained sobriety, and we work to ensure that your loved one receives a plan best suited to their needs. Below you will find descriptions of the aftercare programs that may be suggested to your loved one. If you have further questions, whether about specific aftercare programs or treatment in general, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a blend of clinical management and self-management. On the lower end of the care-intensity spectrum, IOP is a flexible yet supportive type of treatment. Outpatient treatment programs meet during morning or evening hours, both in-person and virtually, allowing patients to balance recovery programming with other responsibilities. When first entering Hazelden Betty Ford’s outpatient services, patients may attend treatment programming up to four days a week. As your loved one achieves treatment milestones, they will step down in frequency. Eventually, they will transition to once-per-week programming. Throughout this process, your loved one will continuously work with a counselor to determine the best level of care. Aspects of outpatient programming are listed below.
- Educational services: In this educational component of treatment, patients learn more about the disease of addiction. They’ll learn how addiction works and how it affects their lives and the lives of those around them.
- Group process: Group process is time dedicated to discussion of a certain topic. This allows for patients to learn about each other and get introduced to new ideas and opinions.
- Individual counseling: Your loved one will be assigned a counselor with whom they can work one-on-one.
- Spiritual care: Addiction affects the body, mind, and spirit, which is why we take time to address addiction’s effect on the human spirit. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is not affiliated with a religious denomination, and we encourage patients to care for their spiritual self in a manner that is personal to—and effective for—them.
- Special programs: A special program is available to meet the needs of individuals dealing with opioid addiction. If your loved one is struggling with opioids, they will receive treatment specific to their needs.
Day Treatment
As part of our comprehensive continuum of care, our day treatment services provide clinical care, structure, and support following your loved one’s residential treatment. Day treatment is our highest level of outpatient care, providing a safe environment for patients to practice life skills such as healthy coping mechanisms, resilience, accountability, and initiative, among others. While in day treatment, patients 18 or over have the option of living on our St. Paul campus for added structure and support. Our day treatment program includes the IOP programming detailed above as well as wellness services, which focus on stress management, self-care, nutrition, relaxation, and leisure activities.
Clinically Supervised Sober Living Facilities
As part of our mission to provide patients with the best possible care, we offer sober housing facilities. Our supervised sober living services provide a structured and supportive living environment for individuals in early recovery. Located in St. Paul, our sober living facilities are open to all adults actively participating in a Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation program. Gender-specific and gender-inclusive rooms are available, and patients will work with counselors to find the best option for their needs. While in our sober living facilities, patients will follow a daily schedule, including specific wake-up times and bedtimes, and a curfew. Many patients benefit from having a high level of care following their time in residential treatment, and our sober living facilities provide an excellent option for maintaining daily structure.
Outpatient Mental Health
In addition to substance use disorder treatment and recovery programs, we offer programs catered solely to treating mental health. Our mental health services include both individual and group therapy facilitated by professionals. When participating in our mental health programs, patients’ progress will be continually assessed to ensure that their goals are being met, and their treatment plan will be adjusted accordingly.
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The Daily Pledge is a free, online social community, made possible by the Hazelden Betty Ford Institute for Recovery Advocacy, that provides a source of support and fellowship to those touched by or concerned about the disease of addiction. The Daily Pledge provides healthy daily activities on the home page, which are viewable to all who might benefit from seeing others "recover out loud." This community's members include both people with addiction and family and friends of people with addiction. Our experience is that people with diverse experiences are able to help each other in unique and valuable ways. Learn more about the community by exploring the pages linked in the menu.
