Substance abuse and dependence affects not only the victim but also their loved ones. Drug addiction can also have a negative impact on work, school, health, social life, as well as the finances of the individual struggling with the condition. While top rehab facilities play a significant role in combating addiction, there is always a risk of relapse among former addicts.
In this post, we discuss how you can stay sober after leaving a rehab facility.
Find a solid support system
It is important to find a solid support system that will help you whenever you feel tempted. This means surrounding yourself with sober people as well as those who have your best interests at heart. Working closely with your loved ones and finding a support group in your area will help you get the advice and encouragement you need to stay sober.
Modify your environment
Before you return home from rehab, you should make arrangements to have any paraphernalia removed from your house. You should also try to avoid places that would spark temptation or use. This may also mean staying away from the people you used to do drugs with and avoiding pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
Create new, healthy habits to replace the old ones
It will take some time before a new habit becomes automatic, a factor that will require you to remain consistent. Some of the positive habits you should consider adopting include staying active, gardening, volunteering, learning a new language, meditating, or reading. Keeping yourself busy with plenty of fun activities will help to keep your mind occupied during this important transition.
Keep your follow-up appointments
In case you have scheduled follow-up appointments with your rehab center or doctor, you should stick to all the appointments. While it may be tempting to skip them when you think you can handle the situation on your own, support from these health professionals will help you know how to deal with the challenges you face.
Learn more about preventing relapse
If you want to stay clean after rehab, the more tools you have to maintain sobriety, the better it is likely to work. Rather than merely going to a meeting, you should strive to learn more about preventing relapse. You can also set recovery goals and stick to them, using them as a guide to help you stay sober.
While it is exciting to start a brand-new life as a sober individual, the complete freedom that comes with life after rehab can be daunting. Therefore you should consider enrolling in an aftercare program or a sober living house after you leave any top rehab facilities.
