“Follow up with someone locally” leaves a lot of work hidden in one sentence. Before a stage of care ends, it helps to turn that sentence into names, dates and a clear plan for questions that arise in between.
The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator includes continuing recovery support as part of choosing quality alcohol care. The exact arrangement for any individual needs to be agreed with the relevant care team; the worksheet below is for organising that conversation.
Separate a referral from an appointment
A referral being sent does not necessarily mean an appointment has been accepted or booked. Record the receiving service, the date the referral was sent and who will confirm the next step. Ask what to do if there is no response within the timeframe the provider gives.
Where possible, confirm the appointment date, location or remote link, preparation requirements and access needs. If anything is pending, label it pending rather than copying it into the diary as a certainty.
Make the handover useful to you
| Question | What to write down |
|---|---|
| What is the next agreed action? | Action, responsible person and expected date |
| Who answers routine questions? | Service contact and normal availability |
| What happens outside those hours? | The care team’s specific instructions |
| What remains unconfirmed? | Referral, funding, transport or other open issue |
Ask the team to explain unfamiliar terms in the discharge or transition information. You can repeat the plan back to check understanding. Keep personal information somewhere appropriate rather than leaving a detailed care record in a public or shared place.
Clarify medicines with the prescriber
If medicines are part of care, ask who is responsible for prescribing, how supply is arranged and whom to contact with concerns. Check any apparent difference between the written instructions and what you understood during the conversation.
Do not ration, stop or change medication based on this worksheet. Those decisions belong with the appropriate clinician. Ask for help early if access or cost may interrupt the agreed plan.
Include the practical route to the next service
Check transport, timing, language or accessibility arrangements. If a trusted person will help, agree exactly what they will do and what information can be shared. A willing helper cannot act on details they have never received.
Finally, keep the plan’s urgent-care instructions distinct from its ordinary appointment reminders. Routine follow-up is not a substitute for urgent medical assessment when it is needed.
Once the next step is clear, a flexible daily routine can help with the practical preparation. This site offers independent educational information; it is not a treatment provider or referral service.