The 12 Palms rehab blog publishes weekly addiction related articles directed to help and guide families and addicts on the addiction treatment and recovery.
There is no doubt that, for many addicts, facing their addictions head-on at a rehabilitation facility can be a difficult process. But what loved ones often do not plan for -- are the even more difficult days following an addict's time at a recovery center. The truth is, the first few weeks after rehab can be even worse worse for the struggling addict. They leave the facility facing shattered relationships, uncertain futures, and many times unemployment or even no place to call home. What’s worse -- they face these terrifying issues with less support than they had at the facility.
The first few weeks after treatment are critical to preventing a relapse-- and there are several things an addict can do to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
The Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
When choosing a treatment facility, you may hear someone mention -- or fail to mention, accreditation, such as CARF. But what does CARF accreditation mean?
The Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an independent, nonprofit organization which creates standards for those providing health and human services, and works to ensure that those providers retain a commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. 12 Palms was recently awarded CARF accreditation.
March 20, 2009 was a day in which my life was changed forever. I woke up married and went to bed a widow. No words can adequately describe the range of angst-ridden emotions I had been feeling that week. I had a writing professor in college who claimed the only definition for tragedy was “a fall from greatness.” I’m sure what I had experienced was a tragedy, but I’m not sure it was a fall from greatness.
The downward spiral began when I lost my dream job. I was a well-paid web designer for a prestigious ad agency. I had worked very hard for many years for my success. I had been married for three months at the time of my layoff. My husband, Kenny, was a big part of my downfall. I don’t blame him though, for losing my job. That was my fault.
“When an addict is finally willing to admit that they are completely powerless over their addiction and need help recovering, they are left with a choice.”
