StepOne Service™ Family Matters
What Next?
Now that your family member has completed medical detox with StepOne Service™ (SOS) and is in treatment, things are starting to change. Some of the tension and turmoil that probably were part of your life may be starting to ease. But the first weeks of treatment are stressful. Each family member is adjusting to changes, starting to deal with past conflicts, and establishing new routines. Amid all these changes, it is important that you take good care of yourself—get enough sleep, eat right, rest, exercise, and talk to supportive friends and relatives.
Follow Up Care
Also Known as Continuing Care
Even when a person has successfully completed medical detox, the danger of returning to alcohol or drug use (called a “slip” or relapse) remains. The longer a person stays in treatment, including follow-up, the more likely he or she is to stay in recovery. Once a person has completed medical detox, SOS will refer him or her to the next appropriate level of care, which will be determined by SOS staff and the patient. SOS staff will follow-up with each patient for at least six months after discharge.
Taking Care of Myself
You’re a Part of the Process
Millions of Americans suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD). All of these people have families—so remember, you are not alone. The fact that your family member is in treatment is a good sign and a big step in the right direction. People with substance use disorders can and do recover. In the meantime, you, as the family member must seek support. Many specialists say that addiction is a family disease. Below are some resources for family members of a loved one with SUD:
Al-Anon – https://al-anon.org
Nar-Anon – www.nar-anon.org/naranon
Secular Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) Clearinghouse – www.sossobriety.org
SMART Recovery – www.smartrecovery.org
For a full list of resources, visit: www.samhsa.gov/families
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Also Known as PAWS
It’s widely understood that withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs can involve everything from physical discomfort to life-threatening conditions. What are less known but very common are the lingering effects of withdrawal, called “post-acute withdrawal syndrome” (PAWS), which can seriously challenge sobriety. These symptoms are a result of brain dysfunction caused by the brain readjusting to being without alcohol and drugs. In contrast to acute withdrawal, symptoms of PAWS generally occur 2 months or more after drug cessation and are primarily psychological in nature, affecting a person’s mood, sleep patterns, and response to stress. Recovery from PAWS usually takes somewhere between six and 24 months.
Overdose Risk Warning
Be Prepared. Know What To Do.
Please be advised that following medical detox or any period of abstinence from opioids, the risk for overdose is much greater. Tolerance can drop during a period of detox/abstinence, which means if an individual consumes his or her drug of choice at the same quantity that they used prior to detox, it could result in an accidental overdose, and possibly even death. Individuals who use opioids, and family members/friends of individuals who use opioids, should always keep Narcan (naloxone) on hand in the event of an overdose. You should also contact 911 immediately for a suspected overdose.
For more information on preventing overdose, please visit the SAMHSA website and download: SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention TOOLKIT.
Check out “NARCAN® Nasal Spray 4mg Instructions for Use” video from Adapt
How to Administer Narcan
