Little feels as great as walking out of a rehabilitation facility after completing the program, but this euphoria rarely lasts long enough to keep you sober for good. Therefore, during your stay, you should learn coping mechanisms and techniques for navigating your life after you leave rehab. You can remain sober with the help of a few strategies.
Rehab Is Not a Permanent “Fix”
No matter where you receive treatment or how long your program is, you will deal with addiction for the rest of your life. This is why so many centers, such as the Tennessee Alcohol Rehab in Murfreesboro, offer post-treatment care and support.
During your program, you should have learned what your triggers are. You should have developed coping mechanisms. You also should have learned life skills that can help you leave behind your previous life and temptations.
You should also have facility resources and support programs that you can lean on if things get a bit too much to handle alone. Your center should also put you in touch with local resources that can help as well, including opportunities to socialize with like-minded individuals who have experienced the same or similar challenges.
You Need a Sponsor
You will need people to lean on as you begin navigating your new life. One of the first people you should secure is a sponsor. This person likely went through a similar journey and has likely completed at least a significant part of a 12-step program.
Although you should search for a sponsor soon after you leave rehab, take your time to find the right person. Don’t let anxiety or fear push you into a relationship with the wrong person.
After rehab, you need to build a support system of other sober individuals. You can include your family and friends who do not drink or do drugs. Get in contact with others working through AA and other recovery programs.
This is a great time to make amends with your family and friends. Take time and be humble as you repair these relationships. Although the process may seem overwhelming and insurmountable, stick with it, be patient, and be understanding of others’ emotions.
Build a Regular Schedule
Boredom and uncertainty can create anxiety and tempt you to fall into old habits. Sometimes, creating a regular schedule can give you direction and prevent downtime that can turn into temptation. Every time you used to grab a drink should have another purpose or a new task. Build healthy habits and schedules, and fill your downtime with new hobbies, work, and other tasks.
Find Employment
If you entered rehab without leaving your job, you receive legal protection and your job should be available when you are ready to return. However, you may have left your job and have a large gap in your resume.
This can make it somewhat challenging to get a new job. Look at the process as a fresh start. Reputable rehab programs offer resume, job skills, and vocational training programs. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these services.
These are only a few strategies that can help you navigate life after rehab. Learn about all the things you can do to help. Take them one strategy at a time and adopt those that work best for you.
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