Recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol is often a long, and difficult journey. At the core of addiction, there is usually deeply rooted in trauma or painful experiences that drive substance abuse. Ibogaine treatment can help guests get to the root of the problem, recognizing WHY they started to use drugs in the first place, and this alone is a HUGE step in the direction towards healing and recovery. However, many guests benefit from ongoing aftercare services in the post-treatment phase.
WHAT IS AFTERCARE?
Addiction aftercare is not a post-treatment requirement, but it can greatly help to improve your chances of lasting sobriety, and therefore, we do recommend it. An aftercare program such as NA, AA, or a similar support group can help you to make new friends in recovery and define a safer, cleaner path to healing. Aftercare is the care, support, and assistance you receive in the post-treatment period immediately following your ibogaine therapy. Such care may include:
- 12-step programs: AA, NA and other 12-step groups are the chosen aftercare programs for most people who receive ibogaine treatment. These groups meet on a regular basis and offer recovery support to those involved. 12 step programs are considered secular groups because much of their literature is based on the recognition of “a higher power,” but there are other non-12-step programs available to help you stay focused on your recovery if you are an atheist or if you simply choose NOT to be part of a secular group.
- Sober Living: We tend to take part in the behaviors of those we live with or live close to. So, if we live with a group of adults that use drugs and drink alcohol, our risk of using drugs and drinking alcohol will be higher than the risk of an individual that lives around other adults that are sober. Following your ibogaine treatment, consider changing your routine and living situation to the fullest capacity so that you are surrounded by people who are healthy, do NOT use harmful substances such as opiates or alcohol, and are actively working to better themselves. For many, this means finding a sober house to move into, but your situation is unique to you and may look a bit different—that’s okay too!
- Family and Friends: Your family and friends can be the greatest gift in your recovery, and it’s likely that while you were addicted, you lost a lot of valuable time with them. Now is a great time to patch things up and lean on your family or friends should any triggers or desires to slip up and use drugs or alcohol again arise. Surrounding yourself with the people you love, and those who love you can have a very positive impact on your recovery journey.
- Additional Counseling: Ibogaine treatment can not take the place of psychotherapy. If you continue to struggle with feelings of depression, anxiety, or similar symptoms, or you face old emotional triggers that are making it challenging for you to remain sober each day, consider seeking the qualified help of a therapist to keep you on the right path. Counseling isn’t a bad idea in aftercare. In fact, it can help you to cope with things like dealing with work stress, conflicts at home, internal conflicts, and other potential problems that could derail your recovery if left under the rug.
SAMPLE ADDICTION AFTERCARE PLAN
It’s a good idea to have your aftercare program and plan lined up prior to leaving the Ibogaine Clinic. This way, you’re fully prepared for the next steps in your recovery process. A good aftercare plan will look something like this:
- Support – through groups such as NA or AA you will need to build up your support network as strong as you can to maintain your recovery. Groups like these offer fellowship and the ability to grow in your sobriety with other like-minded individuals that are also in recovery.
- Community involvement – to get yourself into a positive and uplifting mood, and to maintain your positive role in the community, consider volunteer work or something similar. The goal here is to get around other members of the community that may be able to offer support when you need it and which could provide you with a sense of connection.
- Introduction of Hobbies or Sports – Before you got addicted to drugs or alcohol, did you LOVE sports, or crafts, or taking pictures, or some other activity? Focusing on the things you once loved and have essentially lost to your addiction can help you to remain focused and in control of your recovery. Don’t be afraid to pick up a new hobby or to start a sport you’ve never tried before—in doing so, you will have a way to keep your mind occupied so that you aren’t thinking about drugs or alcohol and you’ll be able to meet more people that may become friends.
- Exercise – Before you embark on anything over the top, speak with your doctor. However, most guests can immediately begin a basic exercise routine immediately following their ibogaine treatment. Exercise is highly recommended in addiction aftercare. It teaches you routine, how to care about your body, and how to naturally release endorphins that make you feel good (no need for drugs or alcohol when you have a natural high).
ONGOING SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT
Whether you take part in an addiction aftercare program or not, at Ibogaine Clinic, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We welcome you to call us at [mn_location loc=’1′] {tel} [/mn_location] if you begin to feel that you are slipping toward relapse. We care about you and want to help you remain on your recovery journey.