What To Do After Rehab To Continue Your Recovery

If you have recently completed your rehab program, you should feel proud of yourself for getting this far. You worked hard and overcame obstacles to begin your life of sobriety. Your rehab program may be over, but your journey has just begun. By now, it’s likely you already know this, which is why you’re reading this article. You finished your addiction recovery in South Florida, and now you want to apply what you have learned in the real world. You know that you’ll be faced with many triggers and temptations outside of rehab, but as long as you take the following steps, you will continue to enjoy a life free from addiction.

Go To Therapy

If you were with us at The Sands Treatment Center, you may have utilized our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program. Even though you have completed your rehab program, you are encouraged to continue your therapy sessions. With us, you unlearned problematic thoughts and behaviors that led to addiction and contributed to your sense of powerlessness and lack of control. By continuing your sessions, you will grow even more by learning new behaviors and skills to manage difficult situations. With each session, you will learn how to take back control.

Join A Support Group

A support group can be highly beneficial right out of treatment. Even if you don’t want to deal with people, it’s important not to isolate yourself from the world once you have completed your program. It is common to struggle with social interactions once you’re reestablished in the real world, and a support group can help rekindle your social skills. You will probably find it easier connecting with individuals in a support group, as they are going through the same problem and are likely facing the same issues you are currently facing. You may even find it easier to communicate with your support group than with your therapist.

While you’re there, keep an open mind, as you will likely gather a lot of helpful information, like different treatment options to consider, managing drawbacks, and general tips on dealing with addiction. As the years go by, it’s not uncommon to forget some of the coping skills you learned in rehab, but when you attend a support group, the lessons you learned will be reinforced on a weekly basis.

Make New Friends

During your stay at our drug treatment center in South Florida, you probably identified triggers that pushed you toward substance abuse. Your friends may be one of those triggers. The friends we make can be an influential part of our lives. If their lifestyle pressures you into making the same bad habits from the past, it may be time to consider making new friends. A group of sober, like-minded individuals won’t coerce you into making bad choices. They will become your support system, encouraging you throughout your life of sobriety.

Focus On Your Health

Once you have returned to your old routine, it’s important to do everything you can to avoid falling back into old habits. It’s not uncommon to have feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Taking up therapeutic activities, like meditation and exercise can go a long way in improving your mental state. Exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet make up the three pillars of mental health.  

In addition to these lifestyle changes, it’s important to schedule regular checkups with a health professional. Tell them if you’re struggling with your mental health or experiencing negative effects from substance abuse. It’s advised that you schedule at least four checkups a year.

Help Another Person

There are so many ways you can connect with people who struggle with addiction. For example, you can volunteer and help people who are seeking treatment for addiction.

You don’t have to take on a huge responsibility, like sponsoring someone, but sharing your own experiences and how you overcame challenges can be extremely encouraging. Furthermore, it can help you during your own recovery process. When people look up to you as an example of someone who stayed on track, it can encourage you on your sobriety journey. Just remember, if volunteering gets overwhelming, don’t feel guilty stepping down. Your health should come first. 

For addiction recovery in South Florida, contact The Sands Treatment Center. Call today at (844) 200-2509.