Staying Sober After Rehab

You’re off to a great start.  You completed detox and rehab and are ready to begin your new, sober life.  The world looks exciting as you consider all the possibilities awaiting you this time around.  However, there remains a small fear nagging at you about relapse.  What if you ruin everything you’ve accomplished by giving in to temptation now?  It is important to note that this is a valid concern that every recovering addict faces.

Fortunately, there are some tips to help you stay sober after rehab.

Of course, you have plans for your new life and are eager to begin.  At the same time, however, you don’t want to go head-first into several projects all at once and become overwhelmed.  Remember to pace yourself to avoid getting stressed.  As you know, stress is one of the leading causes of relapse during this transition period.  You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.  Take your time and adjust gradually.

Tips to Help You Stay Sober After Rehab

A point often overlooked is that addiction leaves you feeling isolated and out of touch with reality.  Now that you see the world through clear eyes and an alert mind, it seems intimidating.  For this reason, the best advice at this time is for you to ensure that you have a strong support team in place.  With the help of loving, compassionate friends or family, you can succeed in staying sober after rehab.  In addition to a strong support structure, the following tips will help you stay on track.

• Don’t be in a hurry to do everything all at once.
• Try to make amends with anyone you hurt during the addiction.
• Make sure you understand what others expect of you.
• Don’t make promises you aren’t sure you can keep.
• Find new friends who don’t use drugs or alcohol.
• Find other venues for entertainment, away from the old memories.
• Be sure to exercise.  A healthy body creates a healthy mind.
• Learn to prepare nutritious meals.
• Get plenty of rest at night.  Learn relaxation techniques if necessary.
• Set goals and reach them.  You are in charge of your future.

Of course, there are dozens of other tips, but the above are proven to help a recovering addict avoid triggers that lead to relapse.  It is important to remember that you don’t have to do this alone.  If you don’t have a good support group to depend on, join an aftercare program to gain additional guidance and encouragement.

Utilizing the Skills Learned in Rehab

Fortunately, the skills you learned in rehab will help you stay sober even during the most stressful times in your life.  For instance, the communication skills are crucial in helping you share your feelings with others.  If you are unable to articulate your feelings, a friend or loved one will be unaware that you are struggling with an issue.  Therefore, the support or understanding you require won’t be offered.

Additionally, the life skills training you gained in rehab will help you feel confident in your ability to get a job or to handle daily responsibilities such as shopping or paying bills.

Furthermore, the music and art therapy were not just for entertainment.  This portion of the program taught you some valuable skills that could become a new hobby or a career.  During the music and art classes, you learned to express yourself and to interact with others in a group setting.

The exercise and fitness routines were an excellent way to help you restore physical well-being.  An added benefit of these activities is that you are stronger and healthier than before.  Studies show that a healthy body creates positive thought processes in the mind.  In this way, you are more inclined to make good decisions about the path you follow in life.

All in all, the rehab program prepared you to manage your life without feeling the need to withdraw into a drug-induced black hole.  If you want to know how to stay sober after rehab, remember the skills you learned in rehab and apply them.  If doubts or fears arise, help is only a phone call away.

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