“WE RECOMMEND CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN 12-STEP MEETINGS ‘FOREVER.’” - Noreen Ammons, clinical director, New Life ACS
”THE CONNECTIONS PEOPLE DEVELOP IN CONTINUING CARE ARE AMAZING.” - Deb Murphy, New LIfe ACS counselor “Continuing care is probably one of the most important programs we have here,” says New Life counselor Deb Murphy. When clients are in intensive outpatient care, many are still suffering from withdrawal symptoms, so their minds are not particularly clear for the rst month or two. “Once they reach continuing care and they've been without mind-altering substances for a minimum of eight weeks, they are better able to receive information, better at listening, communicating with others and able to absorb a peer's advice,” Murphy says. At that point, clients are gradually feeling better about themselves, so they are better able to start using some of the coping skills they have learned, to stabilize their lives, Murphy explains. “They learn new relationship and communication skills, and may possibly reconnect with family members, and when necessary, make amends with those who were affected by their addiction. “Also, the connections people develop in continuing care are amazing,” Murphy says. “Group members look forward to seeing each other at meetings and their whole support network increases as a result of trusting others. That's really where the growth occurs.”
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