The next step after completing a recovery program is transitioning back into your daily life. Returning home after rehab may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can successfully transition into a healthy lifestyle. The best way to ease into this change is to know what to expect and to have a plan of action.
Identify Triggers
The acronym HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) defines common risky situations that you will face once you are back in your home setting. It is crucial to know what objects, people, settings, etc. may trigger your desire to use a substance so that you can prepare to face these situations. While avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent a relapse, this is unfortunately not always possible. You will have to face circumstances that will bring up uncomfortable feelings. This is why it is important to remain aware of your triggers so that you don’t find yourself caught off guard.
Your home environment is very important during recovery. A positive, supportive environment will help prevent a relapse. If you feel that your situation is not beneficial to your well-being, a sober living home is an option to guide you in your transition from rehab.
Create a Healthy Life
Recovering from addiction means changing your lifestyle. You must find ways to fill up the part of your life that was once taken over by substance abuse. A good way to do this is to find activities that give you a sense of community and purpose. For example:
- Take art classes
- Learn to play an instrument
- Start gardening
- Volunteer
- Attend church events
- Join a local organization
Another way to support a healthy lifestyle is to learn relaxation techniques. Learning how to relax will allow you to combat the buildup of tension that may otherwise result in a relapse.
Relaxation Techniques:
- Going for a walk
- Meditating
- Deep Breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Journaling
Have a strong support system
Going through recovery is difficult to do alone. Having a team of dependable people who will support you in a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle is vital. Surround yourself with friends and family members who are going to encourage you in your commitment to living substance free. Therapists and doctors can also serve as a beneficial part of your support system. Although it may prove difficult, it is necessary for your recovery to remove any toxic people from your life. This means steering clear of anybody who might deter you in your efforts to remain sober. Ultimately, filling your life with people who are understanding and caring will help you feel the support that you need to face any difficulties that may arise.
Recovery is an opportunity for you to reassess your values and life goals and create a life that will allow you to accomplish the things that you want to accomplish. You have the power to decide how you want to live your life. You get to make the choice to kick your addiction and replace that negative aspect of your life with more self-serving actions.
At Asana Recovery, we have a team of dedicated, caring and compassionate people that are here to help guide you through the first steps on your way to a clean and sober way of life. Your recovery is what we care most about. We offer specialized medically supervised detox programs. We also have a newly updated residential treatment facility near the coast in Orange County, California. If you have concerns about a loved one or close friend and feel that they need help to get a hold on their addiction issues, please contact us today at 949-438-4504 to speak with one of our admissions counselors right now. We are available around the clock.
