Your initial recovery from substance abuse may only take a few weeks. However, the journey of adjusting to life after rehab is a continuous process that can take many more months or even years. During this time, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected cravings or stressors that may arise.
We understand the challenges that come with transitioning to life after rehab. That’s why our comprehensive rehab aftercare program goes beyond the initial recovery phase. We provide extensive guidance and support to help you navigate the next stages of your journey, ensuring that you are fully prepared for the challenges that may come your way.
If you’re interested in learning more about our relapse prevention program and how we can support you on your path to sobriety, call our team at 833.551.2304 to get more information and take the next step toward a healthier, happier future.
What to Expect With Sober Living
If life after rehab seems tremendously different, it isn’t just your imagination. When not under the constant influence of drugs and alcohol, your world may look, sound, and feel quite changed. Your emotional reactions to daily stressors may also be much more exaggerated without the buffer of substance use to distort your senses and perceptions.
It can help to think of sober living in similar terms to recovering from a romantic break-up. Just as you will see remnants of your relationship everywhere you look, you are likely to stumble upon remaining artifacts of your relationship with drugs or alcohol in unexpected places. At first, your days may feel even defined by the absence of drugs or alcohol. Just as you may seem to see evidence of your former partner everywhere you look. It could be at home, in your car, on the job, or with your friends. Temptation may seem everywhere, even throughout your regular daily routines.
As with a break-up, this will seem more difficult at the beginning, though it will become easier by practicing the healthier habits learned in rehab, such as:
- Practicing mindfulness and keeping close to attention to which friends and what locations have the potential to trigger a relapse
- Engaging in regular physical exercise
- Eating a balanced diet
- Listening to your body’s cues and cutting yourself some slack during periods of high stress
- Making frequent plans with sober friends
- Taking advantage of your improving mental and physical health by engaging in new, enjoyable hobbies that require heightened coordination or problem-solving
As the days go on, you’ll notice more and more of your life coming into focus, with fewer and fewer temptations to derail your progress.
Triggers To Look Out for After Rehab
Triggers are external or internal cues that may prompt an individual in recovery to relapse into addictive behaviors.
External Triggers
External triggers often include situations, places, people, or objects associated with past substance use. For instance, walking past a bar where one used to drink, encountering old friends who still use drugs, or stressful environments can act as powerful reminders of past behavior, compelling one to consider relapse. Avoidance and developing new routines that exclude these high-risk scenarios are critical measures in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Internal Triggers
Internal triggers involve emotional states or thoughts that can lead to cravings. These could range from feelings of loneliness, anger, and anxiety to boredom and low self-esteem. Negative thought patterns or poor mental health can significantly increase vulnerability to relapse. Identifying these emotional triggers is essential. Practicing mindfulness, and building a robust support network can help manage internal triggers and maintain emotional equilibrium, paving the way for a successful recovery journey.
Practical Steps in Maintaining Sober Living
One of the skills you want to address in recovery is what to do if you relapse or are tempted to relapse. It is important to remember that relapse does not mean your recovery was a failure—only that you’ve identified a new area for improvement.
You’ll want to have a plan of action clearly spelled out, so you can receive the extra support you need immediately.
This plan may include:
- Listing the stressors that you will face after rehab, such as financial considerations or other ongoing responsibilities at home or in the workplace, articulating solutions for each in advance
- If your outpatient medical advisors have recommended medication, making sure to fill your prescriptions and have them at the ready
- Establishing a relationship with a counselor or therapist before you feel that you need one
- Making appointments to check in with a sponsor or trusted friend
- Keeping information about local recovery support groups in your phone, so no matter where you are, you know where to turn for help
- Making it a habit to attend group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) regularly, both to celebrate your achievements and receive extra support when needed
- Identifying and avoiding triggers that could lead to relapse
- Learning relaxation techniques such as yoga or mindfulness exercises to help manage stress
- Keeping a journal to track your progress, and use it as a tool for self-reflection
By developing these strategies in advance, you are better able to remain sober. It is also important to take time for yourself and focus on your well-being. Also, you need to recognize that recovery is a long-term process that takes time and effort. Taking small steps each day to stay focused on your goals can help you make lasting changes in the long run.
Learn More about Life after Rehab at Gulf Breeze Recovery
It’s important to remember that you can make this transition as long as you have the correct support system in place. Call 833.551.2304 or use our online contact form to learn more about our rehab aftercare program at Gulf Breeze Recovery and how our intensive outpatient program can prepare you for a fulfilling and successful life after rehab.
