Top tips for helping a loved one after detox After a 14-28 inpatient detox is complete, a relapse prevention programme, ideally with a 12 month plan. If you don’t undertake this at The New Life Centre, it is really important you make arrangements with your chosen providers. We are happy to work with you to personalise your aftercare. The home environment is important after detox. As far as possible, you should try to remove temptation to previous substance/alcohol misuse. This may include having no alcohol in the house or getting a new mobile number. Your social circle is also important after detox: it is best to totally avoid the company of people with current substance/alcohol misuse problems because otherwise this will increase the risk of relapse. Make a plan to keep the mind occupied. Healthy habits can really support recovery: exercise and healthy diet are important. Make a plan for physical activity but remember to minimise risks to relapse such as avoiding the patient going out alone in the very early stages after detox. Continue individual therapy. Continue family therapy if needed. Regularly check in with the patient to see if they are ok mentally and physically, especially where mental health or physical problems would increase the risk of relapse Keep a look out for cravings and seek early review with The New Life Centre team if cravings come back or are a concern. If there is a relapse, it is critically important to allow the patient to share this with us and for us to be non-judgemental and supportive, without being enablers or brushing it under the carpet. If there is a relapse or a near-miss, it is important to arrange an early review with the team at The New Life Centre to assess and make a plan. Relapse can be minimised by undertaking a comprehensive relapse prevention programme that incorporates medical, psychological and social treatments and that these all run alongside each other.