Introduction

As with other parts of America, Michigan is also affected by the addiction epidemic. In 2018, there was a 27% increase in drug possession-related crimes within two years. According to a ranking done in 2013, Michigan ranked 10th in America for drug use problems.

Due to the rising tide of substance abuse in Michigan, there has an increased need for counseling services for addicts.

With help from the private sector, meaningful steps are being taken in the state to help addicts.

Within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), there is the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Section (SAPTS), which provides technical assistance to inpatient rehabilitation service providers and the public.

Here are some of the addiction counseling services available in Michigan. 

Addiction Counseling Services Available in Michigan

The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Section (SAPTS) is at the forefront of providing counseling to addicts.

Apart from providing funding and technical assistance to the service providers, they provide counseling services to people who suffer from addiction. They also offer specialized services for youths and women.

In Michigan, substance abuse counselors need to be certified by the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP). The different certifications available are

– Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

– Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

– Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

– Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)

– Certified Prevention Consultant-Reciprocal (CPC-R)

– Certified Peer Recovery Mentor (CPRM)

Some certified addiction counseling centers in Michigan include

– Dr. Debra Lewis, Psychologist, and Addiction Therapist, located in Troy, MI

– Pacific Substance Abuse Assessments and Treatment Services located in Jackson, MI

– J & A Counseling and Evaluation located in Midland, MI

– Michigan Counseling Group located in Warren, MI

– New Day Counseling located in Troy, MI

– Gratiot Psychological Services located in Alma, MI

– Landmark Therapy LLC located in Troy, MI

– Grand Rapids Counseling Services located in Grand Rapids, MI

– Transcendence Behavioral Health located in Livonia, MI

Introduction

Treating addiction is a multistep process. It is beyond detoxification. For effective treatment and rehabilitation, there is a need for follow-up.

What is “Aftercare”? Aftercare describes follow-up treatment after the initial rehab treatment for people who suffer from addiction.

The treatment process occurs in a residential setting within a controlled environment and for a specific period. After the treatment period, the patient has to go back to their old environment. For proper treatment, the rehab has to follow up their treatment with the patient.

In this article, we will explore the importance of aftercare treatment.

Importance of Aftercare Treatment

The three basic steps in addiction treatment are Detox – Inpatient Treatment – Aftercare Program.  

When people suffer from substance addiction, these toxic substances accumulate within the body. The first step in treating these people is Detox. During detox, these substances are safely cleared out of the body system via medical procedures. After detox, inpatient treatment occurs.

During inpatient treatment, various methods are adopted to restructure the person mentally. Three months of inpatient treatment may not be sufficient to cure a drug addiction problem of 10 years hence the need for long-term recovery plans.

In the Aftercare Treatment, patients are guided on how to

– Continue their recovery journey

– Prevent relapse

Addiction starts as a habit; habits are formed from people’s responses to cues in their environment.

This is why relapse is possible when people move back to their old environment after treatment at the rehabilitation centers. The aftercare program helps the recovering addict form new habits within their old environment and avoid the trigger factors.

During proper aftercare, there should be support groups for recovering addicts. To help them build their mental resilience against their trigger factors. Recovering patients should have access to counseling therapists and group therapy sessions.