After addiction treatment, returning to life outside of the structure of intensive recovery programming can be challenging. From managing stress to putting the skills learned in treatment to use in every day life, former patients have new hurdles to overcome to continue living a drug and alcohol free life.
That’s why the continuing care outpatient program at Positive Sobriety Institute is so important. Led by Continuing Care Medical Director Dr. Ishani Dalal, a board-certified psychiatrist, continuing care offers patients ongoing support to help them avoid the temptation to use. Patients also have the opportunity to further develop the coping, communication and interpersonal skills learned in treatment.
Continuing Care Group Therapy,alcohol recovery programs
Continuing Care Group Therapy
Patients in the continuing care outpatient program meet weekly for group therapy. Group sessions incorporate a variety of treatment modalities, including 12-step, cognitive behavior therapy and process group therapy, in which patients are encouraged to openly share their struggles and express their thoughts and feelings.
In a warm and welcoming environment, Positive Sobriety Institute alumni seek input from others on managing challenges, and offer advice and encouragement to their peers. Our alumni also meet with patients currently in treatment, offering inspiration and motivation to others.
Dr. Dalal collaborates with the continuing care team of therapists and counselors to monitor patients’ progress and stay alert to emerging issues or signs of relapse.
A Continuum of Psychiatric Care
Many Positive Sobriety Institute patients have a co-occurring mental illness such as depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients often abuse alcohol, drug or pain medicine in an attempt to alleviate symptoms of the mental health condition.
To maintain sobriety, patients also need to manage the mental illness, which may require ongoing support from a psychiatrist.
While many addiction treatment centers aren’t equipped to handle psychiatric issues, Positive Sobriety Institute has board-certified psychiatrists available to patients during detox and initial treatment. We also go a step further, offering ongoing psychiatric care as part of aftercare to ensure patients have no lapses in treatment.
Patients may also schedule one-on-one appointments with Dr. Dalal. For convenience, patients can make an appointment with her on the same day that they come in for continuing care group therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Care in Chicago
What is continuing care in addiction treatment?
Continuing care is ongoing support provided after completing an addiction treatment program. It helps individuals maintain sobriety by reinforcing coping skills, monitoring progress, and offering therapy and peer support. This stage helps patients transition back into daily life while reducing relapse risk.
How often do patients attend continuing care sessions?
Patients typically attend weekly continuing care group therapy sessions where they discuss recovery challenges, build coping skills, and receive guidance from therapists and peers in recovery.
What services are included in continuing care?
Continuing care may include group therapy, psychiatric follow-ups, relapse prevention planning, peer support, and continued skill development to help maintain long-term recovery after rehab.
Who should enroll in a continuing care program?
Continuing care is recommended for individuals who have completed primary addiction treatment and want ongoing support to manage stress, prevent relapse, and strengthen recovery skills in everyday life.
Does continuing care include mental health support?
Yes. Continuing care often includes ongoing psychiatric care to help manage co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can affect long-term recovery outcomes.
