Returning to your everyday life after rehab is an indication that you have made a significant step in addressing your mental issues. Most individuals get excited because they believe that they have finally defeated the behaviors that disrupted their lives. But recovery is an on-going process that needs lifelong commitment to avoid relapse. The Midwest Recovery Center will discuss the top five things to do after leaving rehab to ensure permanent recovery.
Join an Aftercare Program
During your time in a rehab facility, you probably learned about various useful therapy programs, such as an alumni program in OH. Now is the right time to get involved in one of these programs after rehab. Besides, you can also join other community organizations that equip victims with coping skills to propel them towards permanent recovery.
The most significant task you have is sticking to your recovery goals and achieving lifelong sobriety. Getting involved by joining support groups will play a crucial role in shaping your recovery progress.
Other members of your support group can include:
- Peers that impact you positively
- Local church clergymen, such as priests
- Siblings
- Parents
- Work colleagues
- Get a New Set of Friends
Multiple studies concur that most addictions, especially among teens, originate from the influence of friends. Individuals who are in recovery and spend time with pro-drug peers are more likely to relapse.
As much as you would love to keep your old friends, your health is more important. Remember, you are not abandoning or hating on them; it is a strategy to enhance your permanent recovery journey.
Find new friends that will give you a positive vibe.
Keep Yourself Busy
Staying idle may bring old memories that trigger your desire to use drugs or alcohol. It is worth understanding that idleness is your number one enemy after rehab. Therefore, occupy yourself with health pursuits to stay on the right track after completing a drug and alcohol rehab residential program.
You can enroll in a cooking or guitar class, volunteer your skills, or take a part-time job to increase your earnings. However, avoid being too busy because you still need some time off to relax your mind. Practice the crucial coping skills that you acquired during the rehab sessions.
Move to a New Neighborhood After Rehab
Does your current neighborhood serve as a constant reminder of your old ways? Do you find yourself often passing by your past dealers or previous hang out places?
If your answers are affirmative, then it is time to consider shifting to a new neighborhood. Such reminders can make you vulnerable to relapse by giving you overwhelming memories that will disrupt your goals. Move to a community with a few or no reminders and a new set of things to empower your recovery.
Attend Your Aftercare Appointments
Drug and alcohol rehab centers sometimes use a stair-step approach to care for their clients. Therapists continue providing support to their clients until they can manage to maintain sobriety without follow-ups.
Therefore, adhere to appointments with your therapist after completing the rehab program. Whenever you experience overwhelming situations, contact your therapist for guidance. It pays to consult the therapist continuously.
If you face challenges in your recovery journey, your therapist can help you get back on track through various rehab programs, such as:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Community housing program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Group therapy program
- Alumni program
Attain Long-Term Sobriety at Midwest Recovery Center
Staying in touch with your therapist after rehab will help you overcome mental health conditions and prevent relapse. Take the first step towards maintaining permanent sobriety by reaching out to our therapist today. Contact Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 to start your healing process.
