Rehabilitation centers are there to help addicted individuals get better. Plenty of changes happen when you are in rehabilitation centers. You discover the strength in you that you never knew existed. You find a new way of living life as a recovering addict. But what happens when you leave rehab?
You will feel many emotions
Many that have walked out of rehab have said they have felt mixed emotions that are often painful and overwhelming. Suddenly you realize so many things that you had to re-learn. You will have many amends you will need to make. You may even return to the consequences of your addiction, such as:
- Relationship failure
- Financial debts
- Homelessness
- Job loss
What do you need to do after rehab?
While in rehabilitation centers, you learn new healthy routines. Wake up, clean up, eat and focus on recovery. You will have a new direction and way of thinking. The world outside rehab does not have to be scary or too big to handle.
Here are a few things that will help:
- Stay away from people, places, and things that may trigger your addiction.
- Do not ponder on the past
- Go to NA/AA meetings as much as is possible
- Do the 12 step program
- See a therapist
- Stay at a sober living home if your home life is too toxic
- Get a sponsor or mentor who has at least 2 years of recovery time under their belt.
- Be honest with your doctor about being an addict in recovery when you go to doctors’ appointments.
- Keep busy
- Get a hobby
- Keep fit and healthy
- Do whatever it takes to stay sober and clean – no matter what it is. Your recovery is yours.
There will be many stumbling blocks along the way and recovery is a process, it isn’t something that happens overnight. In active addiction, we may have pushed those closest away from us and now we have to accept that they will not be there waiting arms wide open. This is a time when you will need the most support. An outpatient program will benefit you and your family during the transition from rehab to the outside world. We at ARCA strongly suggest that you take the tools taught to you in rehab if you want to prevent relapse.
