Even entering addiction treatment can be a major accomplishment for anyone who has struggled with substance abuse. Getting past the denial and putting yourself in a position of facing your illness can be painful and challenging. However, finally leaving rehab is another step in recovery that can be equally intimidating for addicts.
People may feel safe in their recovery program because it is a place where they do not have to deal with temptation and they have constant support from staff and peers. Treatment can be the training ground for becoming sober but often the hardest decisions to stay abstinent happen during your daily life at home. Completing rehab and transitioning to living at home can be a very vulnerable time for people.
It is common for people in treatment to dread going back home because they know how fragile they will feel when they are back in a normal environment. They may fear the possibility of relapse or dealing with people they used to know who still drink or use drugs. Patients who fear leaving the center may need extra help from rehab aftercare programs to learn to cope with life outside of treatment.
Why do people fear leaving rehab?
Leaving rehab can evoke fear and anxiety due to several reasons that individuals experience. Understanding these concerns can help individuals prepare for the challenges they may face during the transition back to their everyday lives.
Fear of relapse
One of the primary fears individuals have when leaving rehab is the possibility of relapse. After dedicating significant time and effort to recovery, the fear of returning to old patterns of substance abuse can be overwhelming. The fear of undoing progress and having to start the recovery journey again can cause immense anxiety.
Lack of support system
Leaving the supportive environment of rehab can lead to the fear of facing recovery alone. While in rehab, individuals often have access to a network of peers and professionals who understand their struggles. However, outside of rehab, the lack of a strong support system can make the recovery process feel isolating and daunting.
Transitioning back to everyday life
Reentering the responsibilities and demands of everyday life can be challenging for individuals leaving rehab. They may fear encountering triggers and temptations that could jeopardize their sobriety. The pressure to adapt to a routine, mend relationships, and fulfill work or family.
Transitioning Out of Treatment
Leaving rehab represents a major shift in a person’s life. They have been in a safe environment for several months where they had access to a therapist and their whole day is structured and planned. They build trust and close connections with the staff and other patients in treatment and begin to feel at home there.
When a patient completes rehab and returns home they might have to lose many of these aspects of recovery. They will not have a set schedule anymore that revolves around sobriety and healing from addiction. They might not have the same kind of positive environment that helps them feel supported and more confident.
Living at home could mean being faced with a stressful job, difficult relationships and worstly, having open access to alcohol or drugs. You are no longer in a sober place and you may even have friends or family members who still drink and don’t understand your decision to quit. All of these issues can take their toll on someone who is already in a vulnerable state.
Leaving treatment means leaving the comforting, empathetic and understanding surroundings you are provided with in rehabilitation. Real life can be harsh and people may not be as compassionate outside of recovery treatment center. Learning to deal with life outside of rehab can take a lot of time. You can enroll in a rehab aftercare program which provides ongoing support and services that helps you stay away from any type of substance.
Life after rehab: How to cope?
Fortunately there are many resources available for addicts that can help them handle the difficult transition of leaving rehab. Upon your loved one’s return from a rehabilitation program, the family must encourage them to follow healthy habits, avoid stress that may result in relapse, attend regular meetings, and provide support whenever necessary.
One of the most important things to focus on after leaving rehab is learning how to cope with triggers that come in day to day life and interactions. They may not even realize the things that trigger them when they first come home but they will start to experience it more often. Learning to recognize triggers, avoid them when necessary and develop skills for dealing with them is what needs to take place in order to prevent relapse.
Co-workers or friends may invite you to get a drink after work, you might have to attend parties or social events where alcohol is involved or you may simply run into an old drinking buddy or dealer. These kinds of situations may make you feel vulnerable and tempted to start using again. If you have strategies in place to help you cope with any situation then you can get through it without having a relapse.
Aftercare program
It provide former patients some of the structure and support that they had in treatment but they will have access to it while living on their own. These programs may including relapse prevention which is crucial in the first few months after completing treatment.
Aftercare programs can help guide former patients so that they have a better understanding of how to handle triggers. There may be many specific experiences, feelings or even people that become a trigger. Temptation is truly around every corner in life outside of rehab and having a program to help you through difficult moments can be life-saving.
Most treatment centers offer some type of aftercare program to help people deal with their fear about leaving rehab. If you are concerned about your ability to remain sober it may be helpful to continue with therapy or keep attending 12 step meetings as often as you can. Even though it can be intimidating to leave rehab there are plenty of options available to help you stay on track.
Seeking Therapy and Counseling
Professional therapy and counseling offer a safe space to address underlying issues, learn coping strategies, and gain insights into the recovery process. Therapists can provide guidance in navigating challenges, improving self-awareness, and developing effective coping mechanisms.
Engaging in Healthy Habits and Hobbies
Adopting healthy habits and hobbies can help fill the void left by addiction. Engaging in activities such as painting, playing music, or practicing yoga not only promotes self-expression but also provides a healthy outlet for stress and emotional well-being. Healthy habits like regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing good sleep hygiene contribute to a more stable and positive lifestyle.
Practicing Mindfulness and Self-Care
Mindfulness and self-care are essential in maintaining balance and preventing relapse. Taking time for oneself, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction can greatly improve overall well-being. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness-based therapies help individuals stay present and connected with their recovery journey.
Building a Routine and Structure
Creating a daily routine and structure can provide stability and a sense of purpose. Establishing a consistent schedule that includes activities like work, exercise, therapy sessions, and social interactions helps individuals stay focused and reduces the likelihood of falling back into old habits. Structure and routine provide a framework for healthy choices and a stable environment.
Staying Connected to a Recovery Community
Maintaining connections with a recovery community can be a lifeline during the transition period. Attending support group meetings, staying connected with a sponsor, or participating in online recovery forums can provide ongoing support, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences, learning from others, and offering support can help individuals navigate the challenges of life after rehab.
Conclusion:
Life after rehab is a transformative journey that requires dedication, resilience, and support. While the transition may present challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth, personal development, and a fulfilling life free from addiction. Individuals can navigate this new chapter successfully by rebuilding relationships, coping with triggers, developing a support system, setting goals, and nurturing physical and mental well-being. Remember, seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward a brighter future.
If you are currently attending treatment or are looking to enroll, ask about your facility’s aftercare options and resources to help patients after they complete treatment and move back home.
