There are few alcoholics that can do a month stint in alcohol rehab and never drink again. Recovery is a work in process. The reason this is so is because the drinking problem is only a symptom of the underlying problem. The drinking may be the most dangerous aspect of the problem but it is not the core problem. To put it in a category; the most important reason underlying alcohol abuse and alcoholism is emotional struggle. Very few substance abusers have the personal insight to recognize their struggle with emotions, authenticity and human bonding in their day to day lives. They feel a problem but cannot recognize it. They have difficulty putting it into words. When asked about what is troubling them they struggle to communicate it, to understand it, to accept it. In order to deal with these emotional difficulties they develop defense mechanisms and blame others (deflection) and perform a variety of behaviors (work, gamble, sex, drink, etc…) to feel whole. They delude themselves that their problems come from outside of self and if only the world changed they would be okay. Until defense mechanisms are revealed, distorted thinking is challenged and emotions unsuppressed there is little benefit, psychologically. Extended Care gives clients a chance to stay in an environment where emotion recognition, personal relationship building and personal responsibility are part of their day to day life. The longer this goes on the better. Patterns of behavior beneficial to long-term sobriety are reinforced during extended care programs. The rule is; a person should stay in alcohol rehab until they are ready to stay.

During Extended Care clients are put to the test and everything learned during primary care is implemented. It is very much like drivers education classes. The client drives the car but there is someone holding them accountable and pointing out alternative choices. The following are the main areas that are covered during Extended Care.