Rehabilitation is a tricky journey because it requires the individual to adopt a completely different health routine very much unlike their previous way of life, which was heavily influenced by substance use. When receiving treatment at the rehabilitation center as an in-house patient, the individual will have his schedule planned out by the medical staff. This helps to ensure that the individual stays away from any potential triggers that might cause a relapse or tempt him/her to crave the chemical substance again.
However, once the in-patient individual is ready to resume his day-to-day life outside of the rehabilitation center, that?s where things get even tougher because it?s now up to the individual to maintain sobriety on his own. If you?re looking for ways that someone can start getting treatment for addiction and lead a relapse-free recovery, read on more to find out five things that can be done to make sure that they retain their sobriety in the following days after being discharged.
1.Getting Involved
Post-rehabilitation individuals seeking support can first turn to outpatient treatment programs offered by their rehabilitation center. Alternatively, they can opt for sober living workshops, support groups or therapy sessions; these options exist to help smoothen the individual?s reintegration into his day-to-day life with abstinence from his/her substance-abusing ways.
One notable organization is a BIG VISION. This organization prides itself on helping its members reintegrate into society, turning them into sober and happy individuals. Most of its staff are aged between 18 to 35, and they?re all passionate about supporting the young adult community struggling with recovery from substance abuse. They have activities like hiking, jewelry-making and even go-karting, all of which are designed to help the newly sober realize that they too can attain excitement and joy even without having to rely on any substances. The staff is also enthusiastic about helping make these experiences as healing as possible so that the young adults can be more receptive to a drug-free way of life.
Look out for similar organizations within your area and be sure to ask around during your support group meetings. There are many such communities that are more than willing to extend a helping hand for post-rehabilitation individuals who need support in their early days of recovery.
? 2. Surrounding Oneself With Supportive Friends
Chemical substance abuse isn?t usually done alone. Users usually have a friend or two who also seek pleasure from these substances. Some are reluctant to cut ties with these friends for the sake of a smoother recovery. (coachmantahoe.com) To not cut ties with them might be risky as these friends serve as trigger points due to their shared usage of the chemical substance. As such, it is important to cut ties with those that are active users of substances. It will help the recovery journey become much tolerable, especially because there would be no one to tempt the individual. To go back into the same friendships and expect different outcomes would be wishful thinking.
Instead, form new friendships with those who have healthy lifestyles. Being isolated and bored will create a situation for the individual to rely on substances again, and having company and friends to hang out with can prevent this from happening. Plus, socializing with the right company helps put one into a better headspace. It can be comforting to have someone to share one?s problems with and seek reliable advice from. Such social circles can be found in support and therapy groups, so it won?t be like starting from scratch and finding new friends; plus, knowing that someone else is in the same situation as oneself is more comforting than it seems.
? ?3.Sticking to The Recovery Plan
When people leave rehabilitation programs without a plan, it can be easy for them to relapse into their prior substance abuse habits. Being placed into a familiar space can also trigger old habits, so it is crucial to have a new plan in place to retain sobriety. Most people who have recovery plans continue their therapy sessions and go for aftercare. Another thing to note is that one must have a healthy lifestyle. There should be adequate exercise to help rebuild one?s physical health and manage stress levels. Then, one must also eat well with a nutritious diet and have adequate rest ? all this will help one stay grounded in their recovery journey.
? 4. Being Preoccupied and Staying Away From Any Temptations
After coming out of rehabilitation, idleness is oftentimes one?s greatest enemy. When the mind is idle, the mind will remember how it once used to pass time ? memories, thoughts and old patterns start to creep back. Thus, one should be preoccupied with healthy pursuits like working, attending classes, working out and socializing with the right company. On the other hand, one must stay cautious and not get too busy; being too overwhelmed might create another situation where substance abuse becomes a coping mechanism or an outlet to feel good ? a good balance is necessary.
?5.Remember To Reach Out For Help
Relapsing isn?t uncommon. At least half of those in recovery will suffer from relapses during their recovery phase after rehabilitation and treatment. This doesn?t mean that the rehabilitation wasn?t successful ? it?s just part and parcel of the recovery process. Addiction issues are considered chronic illnesses after all. Some individuals feel ashamed because they?ve relapsed and they choose to suffer in silence for fear of being belittled as a hopeless addict. Nevertheless, one must stay determined to recover fully from substance abuse and seek help when they need it. Call a close friend, go to a group therapy meeting to reschedule a session with the therapist ? no one is expected to shoulder any burden all by themselves.
No one is destined to have a relapse; but even if you or your loved one relapses during the recovery phase, don?t be disheartened. Many medical conditions require follow-ups and addiction is no exception. It?s okay to find yourself slipping back into old patterns; what matters more is catching oneself and knowing how to stop ? baby steps and you?ll get there eventually.
