Studies show that up to 37% of relapses occur within 3 months of leaving treatment. So, if you want to stay clean and sober, you need a plan.
When you leave the alcohol and drug rehab center after completing the initial stages of addiction recovery, there’s a good chance you’re going to feel a little lost.
During treatment, you take part in a daily routine that becomes a source of comforting familiarity as the days wear on.
Fortunately, we’re here to help you adapt to life after rehab so you can make the most of your new-found freedom from substance use. Here’s what you need to know about getting on with your life.
Getting Back to Work
If you’ve been lucky enough to hold onto your job despite your sins of the past, you’ve likely got some amends to make. Make an appointment to see your manager.
Now’s your chance to apologize for your past behaviors, discuss your progress with them, and make arrangements for time off work to attend aftercare treatment if necessary. After that, it’s up to you to prove you deserve a second chance.
In some employment scenarios, you might need to undergo an SAP (substance abuse professional) evaluation. Read here to find out more about what this entails.
If you lost your job due to your previous behavior, you need to find some type of employment as soon as you can. Even if this means going back to waiting tables.
It’s important to get back into a daily work routine as soon as possible.
Substance Use and Socializing
Calling up your old friends for a meet up at your favorite club during your spare time is a bad idea. It’s a sad fact that most of your friends who’re still using won’t have any interest in you now that you’re clean anyway.
Rather spend your leisure time mending your relationships with your loved ones. They’re the ones you’ve hurt the most with your behavior and it’s going to take a long time to win back their trust.
When you do attend a social occasion and someone offers you drugs or alcohol, you don’t need to tell them your reasons for declining. If they insist, make up an excuse like, ‘I’m on medication.’
If you ever feel pressured to use during a social event, rather leave.
Develop a Healthy Routine
Try to keep up all the good habits you learned during treatment. Set up a daily routine that includes at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Make sure you eat three healthy meals a day, set aside time to exercise, and be sure to take time for reading, relaxing, and meditating too. It’s easy to fall back into the chaotic, stress-driven rut of everyday life when you leave rehab.
Remember, it’s these old habits that fuelled your substance abuse all along. Placing a high priority on your health and your recovery is the easiest way to stay on the straight and narrow.
It’s important to find an AA or NA sponsor, or at least a trusted counselor, that you can talk to when needed.
Staying on Track
Are you up to the challenges of enjoying a fulfilling life after treatment for substance use?
Why not take a look at some more of our blog articles for inspiration on how to make the most of every moment. We’ve got it all from health and fitness advice to the latest business tips.