After completing a recovery program, you’ll need to figure out what you want to do next. It’s similar to graduating from high school when you leave rehab. You’re pleased with yourself for completing the chores assigned to you, but now you’re on your own, with little to no preparation.

Leaving rehab is like stepping out the front door naked on a breezy day. You’re feeling vulnerable, unprepared, and a little agoraphobic. You’re leaving the safety and security of a controlled environment. Suddenly, you don’t have access to a therapist’s help; you don’t have access to drugs to help with addiction cravings, and you don’t have a set schedule. Understandably, you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at this point.

Try one or all of these three things to help you transition seamlessly from recovery to life after rehab.

After You Leave Treatment, Make Sober Friends.

Even if it may appear callous, not everyone has supportive, sympathetic, or empathetic friends about a new life in recovery. Spending time with folks who are still abusing drugs or alcohol will certainly cause you to relapse.

Some people find it easier to find and develop relationships with new sober companions, but don’t give up. Support groups are an excellent opportunity to build healthy relationships and meet new people interested in the same things you are: recovery and sobriety.

Take Action

Consider (or attempt) having humans rely on you if adopting a pet offers you a satisfying sense of responsibility. Volunteering at homeless shelters or animal shelters might amplify the sensation. Furthermore, as with many other topics on this list, this is an excellent method to form healthy interpersonal relationships.

Volunteering also offers the added benefit of preventing self-destructive thinking. Every addict experiences terrible thoughts that make them crave the comfort of their long-term habit, but when one gives back to the community, they get the immediate joy that comes from assisting someone less fortunate than yourself. Your mind may begin to race with negative thoughts, but you can take a step back and remember that someone on the street is wearing dry shoes and eating a full meal because of you. If you participate, your self-esteem will improve.

Attend an Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient therapy is a great method to move back into ordinary life while still actively participating in addiction treatment, whether your stay at a recovery clinic is 30 days or 90 days.

Outpatient programs allow people to obtain the care they need for a set length of time each week, which can be as little as three days a week for a few hours or up to five days a week for longer periods.

The Best Addiction Treatment Center in Houston Can Help You.

We know that continuing care is an important part of long-term success at Skyward Treatment. We assist our clients in developing effective relapse prevention plans that will benefit them both during and after treatment. Through alumni programs, we stay in touch with our patients. Touch-up counseling is something that we do regularly. That’s only the start. Talk to our online team if you want to learn more about what we can do for you.

Joyce Laroche