The transition from a life of an addict to a sober life is a challenging phase. It is a lifelong process, and rehabilitation is the first step towards recovery. If you are successful in completing the rehab sessions, it is worth celebrating. However, staying sober even after the session is another challenging task that requires strong willpower.
You will come across several instances when you will feel tempted to go back to the previous lifestyle, and this is where having a strong will helps by keeping you firm against all kinds of urges.
The real battle after rehab treatment is to avoid relapse. It isn’t simple to rebuild your life after addiction; of course, it won’t be the same as before. It is like coming out of a dark cave after years. Hence, to avoid relapse, firstly, you have to identify the triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
The journey towards a sober life after addiction is daunting. Not everyone has the will to see it through and fail during the initial stages. But, some people are determined to leave that drug-infested lifestyle behind and seek light at the end of the tunnel.
If you are reading this piece, you are one of the strong-willed individuals who want to change and feel happy, and the best thing is; you don’t have to do it alone.
To start the journey, create a long-term plan with addiction specialists because they will help you maintain sobriety in your life. The more determined you are on your goals, there are fewer chances of relapse. Rehab/recovery centers like Serenity at Summit are known for effective detoxifying services and post-rehab recovery sessions.
Even though recovery from drug addiction won’t be easy, it is possible if you walk into a rehab center today and get your treatment started. In addition, here are a few pointers to help you see the light after rehab.
1. Find true friends:
One of the significant reasons a person develops an addictive behavior is the influence of drug users who claim to be friends. Even though it is difficult to cut ties with such friends, staying away from them is for your good.
They may claim that they support you through the battle, but their presence can stall your progress and cause more harm than good. Therefore, it would be best if you surrounded yourself with friends who have a positive aura. These friends will help you stay on track and guide you well.
2. Develop new hobbies:
Back in your addiction days, you would seek around to consume drugs or alcohol. You would utilize your free time in such habits. However, when you opt for a sober life, you will have plenty of time to do what you always wanted.
Use this time to pursue a hobby you always wanted. You can fill the giant hole In your life caused by drug addiction with some engaging practices. You can pursue higher education, or you can volunteer in a community.
3. Work on your mental health:
Many people take the help of drugs to relieve stress. So when they break their habit, they experience bouts of craving for drugs to cope with the increase in stress and anxiety. And if these emotions persist, there are more chances of relapse.
Hence, one should take out time to do something positive. For example, you can exercise or use the time for an early morning meditation session to clear your mind. Such healthy habits boost your mood and relieve stress. Therefore, these habits help you feel stronger and healthier.
4. Reset your sleeping schedule:
During the substance abuse era, your sleeping schedule was not conducive to a healthy mental and physical life. You must be sleeping all day and staying awake all night, which affects your health negatively.
At least eight hours of sleep is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. It will enhance your mood and bring back the lost energy. You will notice the variance in your mental clarity.
5. Join a support group:
It is relieving to know that there are people out there struggling with the same condition. If you join support groups, you can meet such people, listen to their success stories, and learn from their experiences. In addition, you can also share your concerns and get an effective solution for them.
There are some concerns that you can not communicate with your family members, as they won’t understand, so being surrounded by such people help you be comfortable with your condition. Therefore, joining a support group is a necessary part of your healing process.
6. Follow-up on appointments:
There are higher chances of relapse during the rehab phase, so it is essential to go for regular checkups and follow-up appointments. Your physician will keep a check on you that you are on track. They can also make sure that you are making progress and can intervene if necessary.
The checkups can be as frequent as four times per year. Drugs affect the physical health of an individual immensely, which is why there is a probability of developing heart diseases and breathing problems. So regular checkups help in early diagnosis and effective treatment.
A take-home message:
Addiction is a lifelong disease. The treatment of addictive behavior is effective, but in some conditions, some people experience relapses. The change to a sober life is complicated. Hence, people who are going through recovery should be alert, have a strong will, be determined, and keep their guard up at all times.
