Aftercare/Extended Care
Long Term Drug Treatment

The fundamental reason San Cristobal Academy exists as an organization is to improve the lives of the young men and families we serve. It comes down to results! It's our job to leave no rock unturned when it comes to identifying the programmatic short and long-term needs of our clients. The inclusion of a solid aftercare support plan with identified and certified aftercare support resources can dramatically improve the success rate for those seeking treatment from a long-term drug treatment program or any treatment program for that matter.

Continued research in the field calls out the critical importance for strict adherence to aftercare programs or continuing care programs for those afflicted with alcohol addictions and/or substance abuse disorders combined with co-occurring disorders. Statistics in the addiction field indicate that the period of highest vulnerability for relapse to occur within the first 30-90 days after completing treatment. One of the proven solutions used throughout the industry that can significantly improve results is for programs to offer a further step-down option involving the use of a long-term drug treatment program counselor or specialist to assist the clients and families in plan implementation and accountability.

It's important to note that every young man and family comes to us with a unique set of needs. Our 9 to 15-month program offers a tremendous headstart in recovery and a solid foundation for those working through other co-existing conditions. For some, a self-managed plan may be all that's required. For others with patterns of relapse and complex emotional-behavioral and/or psychiatric needs, our clinical team may strongly suggest the advantages of a further step-down involving an aftercare resource. Specific student and family benefits in utilizing an aftercare counselor include:

• The counselor works directly with San Cristobal clinical staff to gain an intimate understanding of treatment outcomes, goals, relapse triggers, unresolved issues, and most importantly; the specific elements of the continuing-care plan.
• Works directly with the student to understand unique interests and perspectives regarding his aftercare plan and strategy.
• Helps to identify resources in the community to ensure a timely bridge between program graduation and resource attainment.
• Develops family living agreements detailing new family norms, behaviors and family commitments.
• Advocates for the student with treatment providers and service delivery systems.
• Meets and/or talks on the phone with the student on a predetermined schedule to review progress against goals, obstacles and ways for the student to move forward.
• Identifies resources that would be helpful to family members: therapists, family contracts, community support organizations for families, etc.
• Assists in the development of independent living skills: work and career counseling, money management, life coaching, and problem solving.
• Monitors progress against plan to ensure continued positive results.
• Provides crisis intervention support.
• Develops other unique elements based on the specific needs of each student and family.

Contact the San Cristobal Admissions department for more details:
888-449-7706.