Completing addiction treatment is a huge step in the recovery process. During this stage, you may not know what to expect from yourself or your loved ones as you prepare to return the real world. Post rehab life can fill you with angst but going back to your life doesn’t mean you are on your own.
Getting through Stressors in Aftercare
You will leave treatment, but recovery won’t leave you. A caring clinical team will be there when you need to talk. Remember, some stressors didn’t go away during your inpatient treatment. The impulse to use may still be present, but so are your coping skills. Identifying potential triggers before they happen is crucial to maintaining sobriety. Sidestep people, places and things that once led to your substance abuse and be mindful of your emotions. You don’t need to live your life in fear, but you will need to be vigilant about your recovery. Remember that guy at your first 12-step meeting who said, “your addiction is doing push-ups in the parking lot.” He was right and you will feel it from time-to-time.
The first time you return to work, see friends, or participate in old activities can be tricky. Handling with these triggers involves the skills you were coached on during rehab. People are another matter in your recovery process. Some people create situations that will lead to stress. A coworker or friend may evoke a reaction that led to your using drugs. Understand how you interact with specific people and make use of the coping skills you learned in rehab. Occasionally you will need to eliminate certain people from your new sober life. This is normal to maintain your sobriety and necessary. You should recall the phrase “it’s a selfish program.” Stay connected with people who want you to succeed and become the best version of yourself.
Link Up with Other Alumni
Reaching out to other alumni will strengthen your recovery journey. In fact, alumni who stay active and engaged with other alums always do better in recovery than those who stay on the sidelines. The alumni program continues to nurture personal relationships that turn into friendships and sober support. Most notably, it keeps them out of isolation and interested in the fun activities that sobriety helps us realize. Also, the more you stay involved in aftercare treatment, the greater chance you have for long-term recovery. The fortification of positive behaviors lay the foundation for your recovery to stay intact during difficult times. Sobriety is a habit you will need to develop. Once you commit to your recovery, the process of working it until it is a habit doesn’t seem like an incredible feat. You can do this, and your treatment center will be there for you when you need it. This is more especially true in the growing age of telehealth!
Simple Path Recovery is a beach side, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
