The Importance of Aftercare after Rehab
At an alcohol rehab center in Massachusetts, the time you spend in there, where you have a professional support network, medication for detoxification, and a structured daily routine, is invaluable. But what about after the treatment program, when these resources and facilities aren’t immediately accessible? For a truly successful recovery, there needs to be a plan in place post-treatment.
Unfortunately, those who attend treatment programs do not leave those programs completely ‘cured’. The underlying traumas, mental health issues, and environmental factors that played a role in your development of an addiction are still issues that can arise and should be appropriately dealt with.
UK based Psychotherapist Jason Shiers states that “behavioural change is very hard to sustain, particularly if you still have the same mind-set as inactive alcoholism [or any substance abuse].. For example, if you stop drinking but alcohol is still your perceived remedy for chronic stress, pain or social anxiety, then not drinking is likely to feel worse initially.”
How can you ensure a successful recovery after treatment?
Setting realistic expectations
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your mental health is to set realistic expectations for yourself. Life during recovery is not going to be a walk in the park (though a walk in the park might be a relaxing way to pass the time). The key is to find outlets for the difficult emotions that arise, to deal with them in a healthier way than using. You could seek out a professional to talk to, attend recovery meetings, take up a yoga or meditation practice, or develop an exercise routine. What’s important here is that you have options in place as an alternative to using.
Sober Homes
The transition from residential treatment to living on your own can be scary. To go from 24-hour support to complete independence is not an easy task, so remember to be realistic in how you think it will be to move forward. Integrating back into normal life after treatment is a challenge when ‘normal life’ has been affected by your addiction. You may have suffered from family issues, job loss, homelessness, or financial difficulties, and be daunted by the return of these responsibilities. For some, substance use has been the direction they turn in the face of challenges for much of their adult life, so entering back into normal life is by no means supposed to be easy.[1] For this reason, there are step-down programs and transitional housing options available for those who complete primary treatment. Transitional housing provides those in recovery with a structured and supportive environment in which they can still pursue a career or education.
Community
Many people when leaving a treatment program feel a sense of loneliness. You may find that your social group from before treatment no longer serves you well, and may even act as a trigger. So to combat this sense of loneliness it’s important to build a sober network of friends who support your recovery. You could attend recovery support meetings, such as 12 step meetings or SMART, make friends with others in transitional living, or find meet-ups for people who are looking for the same thing. If the treatment centre you were in offers aftercare, take advantage of that and the alumni community available.
Long Term Perspective
When you are struggling with cravings or emotional turmoil, try as best as you can to consider the long-term benefits of staying sober. Practice patience when it feels like your life isn’t yet where you want it to be. Over time, this will help you in finding greater and greater strength.
[1] The Fix. (2020). What Happens After Treatment? | The Fix. [online] Available at: https://www.thefix.com/what-happens-after-treatment [Accessed 5 Feb. 2020].
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