You’ve done the hard part as you’ve gone through the treatment in a South Florida drug rehab. Now, you must build a new life that is free from all the chains that held you down. How do you accomplish such a monumental task, and will the desire to use drugs or alcohol be more of a concern when a medical team and support staff isn’t surrounding you?
If you’re afraid of stumbling and falling once you leave the shelter of a rehab facility, then you are not alone. It’s easy to stay sober when you don’t have the temptation from easy access all around you. However, the journey towards sobriety is something you will work on forever; it’s not a destination at which you arrive.
Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks from those who have already been where you are. Here are some ways to ensure you build a positive life outside of the rehabilitation center.
1. Keep Going to NA and AA
Since your network is going to change once you are out of rehab drastically, you must continue to get the support to keep going. You need to go to a few meetings each week until you feel it’s safe to cut back a little. When you are fresh out of rehabilitation, these meetings will be life to you.
2. Move to a Better Location
Some people live in a neighborhood that is going to cause them significant problems with their sobriety. If you must move to get away from those temptations, then it must be done. It does little to help you when you can see the house you always bought drugs from a few doors down. One lonely night, when temptation is terrible, can be an easy relapse.
3. Get New Friends
It doesn’t matter how strong the associations that you’ve built with people over the years. You must get rid of toxic relationships to ensure that you won’t have anyone encouraging you to take drugs or alcohol. Unless your friends are taking this journey with you, you will need to cut ties for the sake of your life.
4. Don’t Sit Idle
One of the worst things for someone fresh out of rehab is to sit idle with plenty of time to think. Even if you have a rap sheet from drug charges, there are still companies that are willing to give you another chance. Why not make some money and learn how to live in a world without drugs?
5. Take Advantage of After Care Programs
Your South Florida rehabilitation center knows that the toughest times aren’t going through the detox part of their program. They offer programs that can help after you’ve been through the inpatient part of therapy. If you need housing, jobs, or support, then take advantage of what they offer to get you acclimated to your new sober life.
6. Get A Mentor
The journey is not always going to be easy, and there are going to be times when you want to give up. Thankfully, some mentors and sponsors can help you. Having someone that you can call at a moment’s notice can only help to stop you from relapsing. If you haven’t already gotten hooked up with this individual, then it’s vital for your success.
7. Be Compliant with Mental Health Medications
You may have a mental illness at the crux of your addiction. You need a mental health advocate that can keep you on a medication regimen. Without treatment for the underlying issues, then you will have little chance of long-term sobriety.
8. Surround Yourself with Friends and Family
Statistics show that those who surround themselves with positive influences are more likely to succeed in sobriety than those who attempt this journey alone. You need the strength and support of your family and friends.
9. Realize You Are Going to Make Mistakes
You’re not infallible. You will stumble and fall along this journey. However, even if you relapse, you must realize that you can pick yourself up and start all over again. Remember, it’s not how many times that you fall but how many times that you get back up again that counts.
10. Forgive Yourself
One of the steps in the 12-step program is to forgive yourself. Making amends to others is necessary, but you must also make amends to you. You are human, and the things in your life that have led you to this point are probably not your fault. Stop blaming yourself and learn to forgive your mistakes. If you haven’t been through treatment yet and you are nervous about the journey, then reach out to one of our counselors for help. We want to show you how life with sobriety is a beautiful thing. Thankfully, you will have support from the detox through positive living afterward. Call today for more information at 833-846-5669.