To maintain a successful recovery post-treatment, you must make some specific changes. These may include cutting ties with old substance-using acquaintances or revamping all your daily habits. You may even need to find new employment and a place to live. Navigating the best way to go about these changes can be tricky. That is why people should prepare for these changes before leaving treatment.
If you are fearful about what life may look like after leaving treatment, know you are not alone. Most individuals worry about life post-treatment. However, the transition can be successful with the right resources and professional help. Consider treatment today if you are actively struggling with addiction. A better life awaits you.
During treatment, life may look a little different than it usually does. That is a good thing. During this time, you will detox from substances, receive care to help manage withdrawal symptoms, learn coping skills, and use several therapeutic modalities to find and heal the root cause of addiction.
Your specific situation will influence the level of care you require. That may be residential or day treatment or intensive outpatient or aftercare. Whatever your circumstances, somewhere out there is a program suited to those needs. It is okay if you need some help finding it.
Life during treatment looks different for everyone, not just because of the program but because of the need for individualization. Addiction treatment is most effective when tailored to each client's unique needs. While processes vary, most facilities conduct an initial or pre-admission assessment in person or over the phone.
Upon review, a clinical team will determine the appropriate course of action for clients based on this assessment. Your needs, results, and any goals you hope to achieve will shape the structure of your care. Life during treatment is often monitored, and you can access care at any level, from around-the-clock to as needed.
Transitioning from treatment back to everyday life can be challenging for many. That is because life post-treatment comes with an array of new challenges. For starters, it is the first time on your own because you no longer have access to 24/7 care and support. That is why having a strong support system is vital to life post-treatment. Your support system may include friends, family members, and other loved ones. Additionally, the support of peers in recovery themselves is invaluable.
Life post-treatment is similar to life during treatment in one aspect: it looks different for everyone. If you feel alone in your journey, take comfort that many others are in similar situations. Other journeys may look different, but they are all in the pursuit of achieving the same goal. The best way to tackle life post-treatment is to prepare for it before leaving treatment. You can do this by learning relapse prevention techniques, setting post-treatment goals for yourself, and relying on the support of those who have done it all before.
Some changes to focus on before leaving treatment are practical, like making plans for your finances, income, or employment. For example, it is normal for individuals to take time off work to receive addiction treatment. However, upon completion of treatment, you will need to decide if you want to return to the same field, make a career change, or perhaps go back to school. Discussing options with your family, friends, and trusted confidantes can help you determine what is best. Additionally, you may want to seek professional counsel from a therapist or case manager.
Another practical change to make is finding a place to live. You may be in a situation where you are returning to a family or home environment conducive to recovery. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many people come from toxic relationships fueled by substance use or have roommates who still partake in substances. Removing yourself from environments like these is critical to maintaining recovery. You may have to cut out friends, acquaintances, and on occasion, family members if their actions threaten your sobriety in any way.
Some of the changes you make before leaving treatment may be difficult. For example, ending a relationship or leaving a household filled with alcohol or drug use can be challenging. It may help to remember why you are doing it and what leaving treatment means for you.
Assigning the highest value to your sobriety is vital. It allows you to create healthy and positive relationships with like-minded individuals and surround yourself with support. Perhaps the people of your old life will see the damage substance use has caused and seek treatment for themselves. However, you can not rely on that "what if."
Making changes for your sobriety is necessary to ensure you maintain a life of sobriety long-term. Initiate the change and seek treatment for yourself today.
Seeking treatment is only the first step in achieving a long life of recovery. Life post-treatment comes with new challenges and the resurgence of old demons. It is normal to go through a transitional period post-treatment. However, changes you can make before leaving treatment may help the process run smoother. Those changes may include finding a new place to live, ending toxic relationships, and cutting off contact with old substance-using acquaintances. Not all changes are easy to make, but they are worth it if they mean the difference between maintaining your sobriety long-term and relapsing. To seek recovery from active addiction today, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400. A better life is waiting for you today.
