Staying sober after attending addiction rehab

Getting clean is a strong possibility through addiction rehab. The benefits of sobriety are awaiting, ready for many recovering addicts to experience. Yet the transition from rehab to normal life can be tough to deal with, known to reduce ongoing progress.

Staying sober after attending addiction rehab is a goal that can be achieved. Yet there are some preparational steps, along with ongoing habits and routines to maintain, supportive of a sober lifestyle.

By leading a mindful life and by following a lifestyle that supports sobriety, you can set your sights on staying sober. Here are some tips on how to transition and avoid temptations and old triggers. With awareness, a plan in place and a feasible routine to follow, success rates can be high and maintained.

Reach out here at Rehab Clinics Group for further guidance on reaching and maintaining sobriety.

 

Transitioning from rehab to normal life

The transition, post-rehab, can bring up so many different emotions. It’s a time to celebrate and be proud of, as rehabilitating is a significant achievement. It’s also a time where vulnerabilities show, as the tests of addiction recovery truly start.

Through rehab itself, especially an inpatient programme, clients describe a safe and supportive environment. Drug and alcohol influences are at bay, replaced by positive habits, healthy relationships, and wholesome choices.

The idea of leaving such a safe haven can be difficult, as there are many uncontrollable variables outside of addiction rehab. The transition can be foreseen as lonely, as a battle and as a daunting experience.

Yet with coping strategies in place, a positive outlook, and a plan to follow, the transition can be a progressive and happy moment. Normal life can begin to resume, parallel against sobriety milestones.

Whilst external variables may be uncontrollable, you can control your outlook, intentions and the narrative moving forward through addiction recovery. Staying sober after attending addiction rehab can be aimed for by following our below tips.

 

Tips for staying sober post-rehab

Be aware and mindful of personal triggers

Personal triggers can be anything from a certain environment or person to memory or intense cravings. Although drug and alcohol withdrawal will be achieved up to this point of recovery, triggers can still carry impacts.

Being aware and mindful of personal triggers will help to reduce the risks of further consumption and responses to drug and alcohol exposure. It will also be easier to stay out of risky situations by being aware of possible triggers moving forward.

 

Understand relapse

There are many misconceptions linked to relapse. It’s viewed as a failure. When in fact, relapse does not mean failure but represents the need for further intervention.

It’s important to understand this, as some form of relapse is expected through initial recovery. Being aware of the signs of relapse and how to work through any possible signs will be important.

Relapse prevention planning will be worked through, through most addiction rehab clinics. Preparations will be in place for your transition. Yet the more awareness you have, the greater chance you’ll have at staying sober after attending addiction rehab.

 

Develop a support network

Support will be extremely helpful through your transition. The support of loved ones can be encouraging, the support of peers can be reassuring, and the support of professionals can be invaluable.

Through family therapy sessions, support group sessions and one-to-one sessions, positive forms of support will be present, to work through any challenges linked to sobriety.

 

Attend aftercare

Aftercare services are mostly free for 12 months post-rehab. At Rehab Clinics Group, we offer a range of aftercare programmes to ease the transition period. By attending aftercare, remaining sober is found to be an easier goal to sustain.

Programmes focus on relapse prevention, on building the tools to combat exposure and to thrive off a schedule. All will be advantageous after attending addiction rehab.

 

Partake in sober activities

Through your support groups, you’ll likely meet like-minded people, also on the same journey. Make use of your new network by partaking in sober activities and hobbies. Finding a new, healthy hobby will be recommended as a post-rehab step, to place your energy and focus on. Anything from sporting activities to weekly meetups will be encouraged.

 

Modify your environment and lifestyle

Environments and lifestyle choices can impact outlooks, behaviours, and choices. Modifying both to reflect sober intentions will be recommended. Opting for a clean and positive environment will make it easier to remain sober. A balanced lifestyle that disallows ongoing consumption will make your transition easier.

Work to remove anything or anyone who triggers your consumption.

 

Self-care

This is the time to truly care for yourself and your wellbeing. Self-care will be extremely helpful whilst working through the challenges of sobriety.

Exercise and meditation, mindfulness, spirituality, morning routines, relaxing hobbies and activities which promote balance are all beneficial. A personal focus on health, wellbeing, and growth can assist with your lifestyle after attending addiction rehab.

 

Set long-term goals

Goal setting will help plan for the future, whilst offering a milestone to focus on. Setting small, achievable goals is recommended, helping to break down the transition phase.

For example, setting yourself the goal of 30 days sober, followed by the ability to return to some form of normality, followed by 3 months of sobriety will be helpful.

 

Create sustainable, healthy habits

Your new lifestyle must be sustainable in order to remain sober after attending addiction rehab. Developing positive relationships with yourself and self-care, leading a balanced lifestyle, making use of healthy coping strategies, and following a feasible routine will be recommended.

Considering everything from your spare time to your work routine will be important, to make sure that your habits can influence positive behaviours and decisions.

 

The realism of long-term sobriety

Long-term sobriety may feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. You may experience long bouts of sobriety, followed by a triggering moment, or an urge to consume drugs and alcohol. How you deal with the journey will impact your reality.

By incorporating some of the above tips into your life, along with prioritising your recovery journey, aiming for long-term sobriety will be possible. As time goes on, it will become easier to lead with sober intentions. Yet it’s also important to expect setbacks, prepare for them and see them as a chance to recover some more.

A fulfilled life can be experienced post-addiction. Lead a fulfilling future by completing rehab, along with a mindful and aware post-rehab journey. Staying sober after attending addiction rehab will be a worthwhile goal to aim for and be accountable for.

Reach out here at Rehab Clinics Group for our support through the journey.