Planning for continued care
should begin while the patient is
being detoxified. Referral and follow
up to other agencies, treatment programs,
self-help groups, and counselors
is important for adequate
recovery from alcohol dependence.
These services provide patients with
the tools to cope with situations that
may precipitate heavy drinking.
They should be initiated so as to
avoid a lapse of time in different
components of the treatment program
(Keys, 2011; Saitz, 2005).