Everything involving normal life can be overwhelming after your rehab stay. This should not frighten you or dishearten you though because transitioning back to normal life post-rehab is doable. Thousands of people have done it and so can you. You simply need to understand the process and why it is important. You need to understand the process of transitioning for the following reasons:
1. It will help you to effectively prevent relapse.
2. It will help you to understand the need for continuity of care.
3. It will help you to know that reintegration is necessary.
4. It will help you in rebuilding your relationships.
5. It will help you in becoming accountable.
6. It will help you in equipping yourself with effective and doable coping strategies.
7. It will help you in setting goals.
8. It will help you in managing your mental health.
9. It will help you in effectively implementing lifestyle changes.
10. It will help you achieve long-term success and a life free from substances.
The process of transitioning back to normal life after rehab will involve the following steps:
1. Treatment Completion
This is the very first step in returning to the normal world after rehab. It involves finishing your treatment program. Once you’ve completed your time at rehab, you may then return to the normal world fully equipped with knowledge and tools on how to live a drug-free lifestyle.
2. Aftercare Continuation
It is imperative that you endeavor to ensure an aftercare program after your stay in rehab. Aftercare normally involves the following: outpatient therapy, regular check-ins with professionals, and support groups.
3. Relapse Prevention Plan
You need to have a relapse prevention plan. Having one will ensure that you’re in tune with reality and ready for challenges that can lead to relapse. Preparation is key and if you already know the enemy and how it will move, the battle is already half-won. This should be done together with a professional who can guide you every step of the way.
4. Support System
A good chunk of your time after rehab should be devoted to building a support group. You can do this by reconnecting with your family and friends. Tell them that you need them. Be completely honest and ask for help. If you have no one left, you can always join support groups.
5. Housing and Employment
You need to address your housing needs and need for employment. In order to live a drug-free life, you need to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable space to live in. You would also need to be sufficient in supporting yourself for your daily needs and a place where you could work is essential.
6. Financial Stability
You need to deal with your financial needs head-on. It must be your goal to be financially stable. This is doable if you will honestly face your financial issues by handling debt, financial planning, and learning how to effectively budget.
7. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Life after rehab will require that you dedicate your life to having a headspace that will promote healthy lifestyle choices. You need to focus on improving your physical health by having adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.
8. Emotional Wellness
Life after rehab will require that you devote time to your emotional wellness. The more emotionally stable you are, the more that you will be able to make healthy decisions day in and day out.
9. Goal Setting
You need to actively set long-term and short-term goals. You will need to sit down and ask yourself questions that will allow you to live a life with a sense of purpose and direction. This is essential if you want to prevent relapse. You will need to know why.
10. Structure and Routine
Returning to the real world and surviving it flawlessly will require that you have a definite daily routine that can serve as a guidepost for your days. Having a daily routine will give you structure. It will help you to stay focused and easily manage your energy for the day. It will easily guide you on what is important and truly essential.
11. Accountability
You should have accountability for all your actions. You should remain accountable in doing the following:
· Attending therapy
· Attending support group meetings
· Attending regular check-ins
Being accountable will ensure that you remain motivated and on the right track. You should always be asking yourself this question: “Am I on the right track?”
12. Self-care
Relapse will be an impossibility if you will have a definite self-care practice. Self-care is the intentional prioritizing of one’s wellness. This can be done by engaging in all kinds of activities that promote the following:
· Self-reflection
· Relaxation
· Personal Growth
13. Trigger Management
You should be able to clearly enlist and identify your triggers ––– all of them. This will ensure that you will always know what to do whenever a triggering situation arises that can easily lead you to thinking of using any form of substance. Naming the devil is half the battle.
14. Milestone Celebrations
Never ever forget to celebrate your small wins. Big wins are made up of consistent small wins from every single day. Intentionally celebrating your small wins will allow you to improve your self-confidence and self-esteem.
15. Helping Others
A successful comeback from rehab will allow you the golden opportunity to help others. You can do this by sharing stories and strategies with others who are going through similar struggles.
16. Professional Help
You should also be open to seeking extra professional help when you encounter particularly tricky situations when it comes to cravings. The earlier, the better. You should never feel ashamed to ask for assistance. Help is always available. You simply need to ask.
Reference:
Life after rehab
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/life-after-rehab