What To Do After Drug Rehab

If you think attending rehab is all you must do to secure a life free from addiction, think again. Yes, attending an inpatient or outpatient rehab is important, and you’ll be able to begin building a firm foundation there; but that’s not the end all of your recovery. Many people don’t know what to do after drug rehab, often time if there is no plan in place, the person may slowly go back to doing the same things that got them into rehab in the first place. Aftercare planning allows the person in recovery to have a plan to stick to when returning home from rehab.

A well put together aftercare plan can help a person in early recovery stay sober. This plan usually includes attending outpatient rehab, attending sober support group meetings and continuing to see a therapist to work on deeper problems. The most important thing to remember is that drug rehab does not magically keep someone sober, there is still much work to be done after you finish treatment.

The Importance Of Aftercare

Aftercare is important once you complete your inpatient treatment for drug addiction. Aftercare is a continued treatment plan that you execute regularly in your everyday life. Many times, during a stay in a treatment facility, substance use disorder professionals will help you create a relapse prevention plan. This relapse prevention plan is your aftercare plan. It’s the plan that you put into place once you leave, that’ll give you the support system and skills you need to stay clean or sober.

If you’re wondering what you can do after a drug rehab, the following information will prove valuable to help you continue your sobriety path for the long haul.

Create a Support Network

Those who have long-term recovery oftentimes report that one of the things that got them through cravings and tough times was having safe people to go to for support. Some of them got that support by attending 12 steps groups, while others may have surrounded themselves with positive, sober friends. Others may have gotten involved in some sort of hobby or program in the community that helps them connect in a positive way emotionally with others.

All of these are great ways to help you connect with others, which can help you stay sober and clean. It might not always be easy to connect with others, especially for introverts, but it’s worth the effort. Loneliness and feeling alone can be a big trigger for people to start drinking or using drugs again, so be sure that you create a positive supportive network as you continue your recovery path.

Change Your Environment If Necessary

If you’re getting out of drug rehab and going back into an atmosphere that is toxic or full of drug activity, seriously consider changing your home environment. This goes for your neighborhood too. Is your neighborhood full of drug dealers and party people? If you are just getting out of drug rehab, chances are you will not be strong enough to avoid the temptations when the alcohol and drugs is in your home or close by. If you’re serious about staying clean and sober, evaluate your immediate surroundings and make the necessary changes to help you continue on your path of sobriety

Get To Therapy

There’s quite a few people who get out of drug rehab and know that they should go see a therapist to work on various issues. However, they tend to use the excuse that they cannot afford one. Maybe their insurance doesn’t cover it, or they realistically are struggling financially.

It’s in your best recovery interest to do whatever it takes to find yourself a good therapist and go to at least six sessions. Many therapists will offer a sliding fee scale, and you may even be able to get free counseling by calling your local mental health agency and having a discussion with the appropriate staff.

Digging underneath the addiction and dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues can have a significant impact on your future recovery progress. So again, do whatever you can to make that commitment to counseling.

Tend To Your Emotional And Physical Health

Life can have its ups and downs regardless of whether you have a past with substance use disorder. Emotionally, it can get rough, so take time regularly to tend to your emotional health. Discover what helps you emotionally. Maybe it’s meditation or prayer for 15 minutes every morning. Or maybe it’s listening to something inspirational on YouTube or on your iPod. Maybe it’s talking to your pastor or your mother, who always offers you some wonderful advice and encouragement.

Tending to your physical health can also help you stay clean and sober. Recovering addicts that determine to get into shape report that their cravings for their drug decreases significantly. Whether you enjoy taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood or hiking up a 10,000-foot mountain, get out there and exercise your body. It will not only help you physically, but most likely mentally and emotionally as well.

Go To Support Group Meetings

A great way to stay connected with others who are successfully walking the recovery path and receive encouragement and hope is to attend support group meetings. There’s Alcoholics Anonymous if alcohol was drug of choice and there’s Narcotics Anonymous if drugs were your problem substance. There’s also a support group called SMART Recovery, which is quite helpful to those who don’t really resonate with the 12 step philosophy.

In early recovery, many report that it helps them to get to several meetings a week. At the meetings you can always share if you’re having a rough time with cravings and you can also get yourself a mentor or sponsor. Working through the 12 steps helps you grow on your recovery path and learn value lessons about yourself, others, addiction, and life in general. Some people love going to meetings and others not so much. Do what works for you, but at the very least, try several to see for yourself.

Recovery Continues After Drug Rehab

If you’re wondering what to do after drug rehab take these ideas and run with them. It’s your responsibility to find what works for you and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Try one or try them all, it’s completely up to you. The reality is that having an aftercare plan can help you overcome cravings, connect with others who will be a good influence on you, continue to work on your emotional and mental health, and more.

Take some time and work on your Aftercare Plan or relapse prevention plan today. It helps when you can write down your plan and keep it somewhere where you see it often, so you don’t forget about it.

You deserve a life free from drug addiction, happy and healthy, creating the kind of life you most desire.

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Medical disclaimer:

Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance use disorder, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.