When an individual is done with addiction treatment, they feel ready to take on the world. Hence, they are more likely to continue from where they stopped in their normal lives.
However, many of them do not take ample time to become fully equipped to resume their regular activities. This is why they return to their addictive habits in no time.
When an individual relapses, it doesn’t negate the fact that their addiction treatment program was successful. It only means that the person was not properly fortified to fight against addiction cravings. This is where the counselor comes in during aftercare treatment.
It is expedient to mention that the role of a counselor does not end when the individual enters full-time rehab. The relationship between the counselor and the recovering individual is usually for life.
Under normal circumstances, the individual and the counselor are supposed to have a close-knitted relationship that would last for a very long time.
This would make it easy for the counselor to teach the recovering addict essential life skills that would make them fight off addiction cravings. Additionally, the person needs to constantly report to the counselor on their periodic progress.
The counselor uses these check-ins to verify that the patient is on track to sustaining a healthy life. When some people leave addiction treatment, they don’t implement vital health tips.
This can be corrected when the counselor is fully present in aftercare treatment. They would ensure that the patient lives a healthy life to keep addiction at bay.
Another role of the counselor in aftercare treatment is to heal the rift between the patient and their loved ones.
When some people get addicted, they are usually at loggerheads with their friends and family. With the counselor’s help, both parties can become friendly with each other again.