Establishing Life After Rehab, Returning Home
There is no handbook for returning home after rehab. It’s a daunting and often scary prospect, made all the more difficult by the sense of isolation that many addicts feel. This blog post is an attempt to provide guidance and support for those struggling to establish themselves in life after rehab.
1) The first step is to accept that you need help:
This is probably the most challenging part, but it’s also the most important. If you’re not ready to admit that you have a problem, then you’re not going to be able to get better. It’s nothing to be ashamed of; it actually takes a courageous person.
Some steps to assist in taking action:
- Talk to somebody you trust about your addiction and what you plan to do about it. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or even just another addict in recovery. Having somebody to talk to who understands what you’re going through is important.
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery. There are lots of great books and websites out there that can help you understand what you’re dealing with. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about addiction and recovery, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with it.
2) The second step is to find a treatment program that’s right for you:
Not all treatment programs are created equal. Some are better than others, and some are a better fit for certain people than others. It’s important to research and find a program that you feel comfortable with and believe will be effective for you.
Some effective treatments could include:
- Inpatient treatment: This is usually the most intensive level of care, and it’s recommended for people who are struggling with serious addiction issues. Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility for a period of time, typically 30 days or more.
- Outpatient treatment: This is less intensive than inpatient treatment and is typically recommended for people with less severe addiction issues. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home and go to treatment after alcohol rehab during the day or evening.
3) The third step is to make a commitment to yourself:
Recovery is not a quick or easy process. It takes time, effort, and dedication. You need to be willing to do whatever it takes to get better, even if it means making some tough choices or facing some difficult challenges.
In addition, you need to make a commitment to taking care of yourself. This means eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing things that make you happy. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s important to pace yourself and take care of yourself along the way.
4) The fourth step is to get involved in a recovery community:
One of the best things you can do for your recovery is to get involved in a recovery community. This could be a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, or it could be something else like SMART Recovery or LifeRing.
Recovery communities provide support, camaraderie, and accountability, all of which are essential for long-term recovery. In addition, they can help you feel less alone and isolated, which is a common problem for addicts.
5) The fourth step is to take action:
Now that you’ve made the decision to get help, it’s time to take action. This means making an appointment with a treatment centre, going to therapy, attending support group meetings, and doing anything else that you need to do to get better.
The most important thing is to take that first step. It might be scary, but it’s also the most important step on the road to recovery. Here are a few steps that could help you:
- Find a treatment centre: Use this tool to find a treatment centre near you.
- Make an appointment with a therapist: If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a list of questions to ask when looking for a therapist.
- Attend a support group meeting: This can be a great way to meet other people in recovery and get support and encouragement.
6) The fifth step is to stay the course:
Recovery is not a linear process. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad days. The important thing is to keep going, even when it’s tough. Remember why you’re doing this, and remind yourself that each day is one day closer to your goal.
If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone makes mistakes. Just pick yourself up and keep moving forward. In addition, it’s important to find ways to cope with stress and triggers. This could involve things like yoga, meditation, exercise, journaling, or deep breathing exercises.
Staying on the course can be difficult, but it’s worth it. Recovery is possible, and you can achieve your goals if you stay committed and take things one day at a time.
7) Don’t shut out the people that care:
One of the most difficult things about addiction is the way it can damage your relationships. If you’re in recovery, it’s important to repair these relationships and rebuild trust. This could involve going to family therapy, attending support groups, or just spending time with the people you care about.
It will take time, patience, and effort, but it’s worth it. The people who care about you want to see you succeed, so don’t push them away. Instead, let them in, and let them help you on your journey to recovery.
8) Seek out additional resources:
There are a lot of great resources available for addicts in recovery. Here are a few that could be helpful:
- Books: There are many great books about addiction and recovery. The Recovery Book, Clean, and The Addict’s Prayer are a few that come to mind.
- Websites: There are also a lot of great websites that offer information and support for addicts in recovery.
- Treatment programs: If you’re looking for additional help, many excellent treatment programs are available. Here’s a list of some of the best ones.
In conclusion, remember that recovery is possible. If you’re struggling with addiction, take heart. There are people who care about you and want to see you succeed. Seek out the help you need, and don’t give up. With time, patience, and effort, you can achieve your goals and establish a life after rehab.