If you’re reading this, first of all, congratulations. Going through rehab is a big deal, whether we like to admit it or not – and often a deeply personal experience.
Critically, it’s important to understand that the end of a stint at rehab is not going to be the end of your relationship with substance abuse. It will hopefully be the end of your use – but there will likely be days when you are especially tempted or wanting.
We say this not to discourage you, but as a precaution. When leaving rehab, the sudden freedom can be jarring. Hopefully your family and friends are supportive during your recovery, but ending a substance abuse program can leave many feeling rudderless – and at the very least unsupervised. It will be, for many of you, the first in a long time you’ve had total freedom and personal responsibility. There will be nobody looking over your shoulder every day making sure you stay in line.
It will be critical, therefore, to keep yourself on the straight and narrow. Your friends will help, and if they don’t, ditch them, because they’re not your real friends. Foster the relationships with those closest to you, who care for you and are happy to see the new you.
Many after rehab struggle with an unexpected complication of sobriety – boredom. Finding a way to keep yourself busy may seem at times to be a struggle. It’s important to remember though that this is normal. A good thing, even. Boredom is a lack of satisfaction with the status quo. If you find yourself bored after a period of rehabilitation, try taking a walk. Reading a book. Take a nap. Anything that helps pass the time. Soon, you will be rediscovering all the little ways you used to spend your time. Your days will have more color. They’ll blend into each other less. You’ll start living again.
It might not always be easy. We know that even years down the road, all it can take is one bad day to look down the same dark path you just emerged from. If that happens, it’s okay. Your support system will be there to help you – including us. If you feel the need, call us at 833-846-5669. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day.