Beginning the road to recovery from substance use disorders can be quite difficult, but staying clean can be even more challenging. To become sober, you have to get through drug withdrawal symptoms and ignore the cravings you feel while in a controlled environment. However, when you leave rehab, you get back to the same daily routines and relationships, which means that relapse becomes a possibility. This is why you need to know the next steps after drug rehab to prevent situations that can tempt you to drugs again. Life skills for addiction recovery can be a helpful tool for those who are transitioning back to life after rehab.
If you are interested in learning more about the next steps after drug rehab, reach out to Ethan Crossing of Cleveland online or contact us at 855.967.2436.
What Steps to Take After Drug Rehab
Drug rehab programs don’t last forever. In most cases, you will only spend a few months in rehab, during which you go through intense work towards long-term sobriety. Beyond getting clean, there is life after rehab, where you might struggle with what to do next. Here are some necessary steps you need to take for life after drug rehab:
1. Find a Supportive Living Situation
When rehab is over, you will ultimately have to move back to your home. If your roommates or family members are not supportive of your recovery, it could be harder to stay in recovery. Moving to a more supportive living situation can help you maintain your progress.
2. Change Your Old Circles and Find New Friends
In many cases, drug use and abuse are influenced by peer groups. When you surround yourself with people that use drugs, sooner or later, you may find yourself engaging in the activity as well. So, if you just left rehab, going back to the same circle of friends with drug abuse problems can lead to relapse.
3. Build a Support System
Although surrounding yourself with sober friends will reduce temptation, it is vital to have a support system for long-term sobriety. The sense of accountability can be an excellent reminder to honor a life of sobriety. And to stay accountable, you need a support system. Trusted family and friends can be a source of support for you.
Another support system that can help you achieve lifelong sobriety is support groups. Unlike your family and friends, the people in support groups are going through the same challenges as you, and they can provide you with support and encouragement from a place of understanding.
Also, aside from inspiring sobriety, support group meetings create room for you to share things that you find uncomfortable sharing with your family and friends. You can also gain relevant life skills for addiction recovery from such meetings.
4. Find Something That Will Keep You Busy
Old patterns, thoughts, and behaviors can creep back when individuals just out of rehab have a lot of time on their hands. So, the next step for life after drug rehab is staying occupied with healthy pursuits. You can find part-time work, volunteer at non-profits, or find other positive activities that can stave off boredom and encourage sober living. However, you must note that while being busy is good for recovery, being too busy can lead to stress, which can trigger a relapse. Balance is key.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind for Life After Drug Rehab
- Recovery continues after rehab
- Relapse is not a failure but a part of recovery
- Know that there will be hard days ahead
- Do healthy things that promote positive sober life
- Have an aftercare plan
Contact Ethan Crossing of Cleveland for Life-Long Sobriety
It is often said that recovery from substance abuse is a lifelong journey that never ends. So, after rehab, you should always remember that the recovery process doesn’t end after rehab. Knowing this can help you avoid relapse. The good news is that Ethan Crossing of Cleveland is always ready to help.
Whether it is for drug abuse rehabilitation or figuring out the next steps to take after drug rehab, our doors are always open. Take the steps towards restoring your peace of mind and reach out to us through our convenient online form or contact us at 855.967.2436.