Whether you’re fresh out of addiction treatment or considering reaching out for help for the first time, one thing is for certain: Recovery is a process that never ends. Problem is, addiction treatment does. So what comes next? When you immerge from addiction treatment as a changed person, setting new goals and plans for the future to stay engaged in your recovery may seem overwhelming.
Here are a few things you may want to consider to help you stay true to your recovery:
Meet new people
When you take a look back at your active addiction, you may see the influence of other people played a large role. From peer pressure to boredom, a lot of different factors can play into addiction. So it’s critical to have sober friends who support, understand, and share your recovery goals. When you’re around other people in recovery, you won’t be as tempted to use again. You’re surrounded by like minded-people who have the same goals as you do.
Keep those important appointments
Reputable addiction treatment facilities offer a tiered program. For example, you should step down from inpatient into some type of outpatient service. This way, you won’t feel completely on your own after spending 30+ days in residential treatment. Stick with your appointments, whether it’s with an outpatient facility or counseling. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed by this new form of living can spell trouble for those in recovery.
Don’t neglect your mental health
By now, you know that addiction is a brain disease – so keeping up with your mental health is key to recovery. Stress, anxiety, or depression, in addition to people, places, and things can all add up to a relapse. Consider meditating (RCA offers coffee and morning meditation Facebook Lives every week!), exercising, or finding a new stress-relieving activity to keep depression and anxiety levels down.
Offer a helping hand
While in treatment, you probably noticed a lot of time was spent talking about how you can improve your life and the lives of others. Research has shown time and time again that the act of helping is a huge part of the recovery process. Why? Because helping others helps your recovery, too. Pick-up the phone and ask someone how they’re doing.
Find your community
While your friends and family support and love you, there may be times when they can’t relate to or understand the struggles you’re going through. You need someone who just gets it, who understands the struggles of being in recovery.
That’s where the power of support groups, including the RCA Alumni Association, NA, and AA, can make a world of difference in your recovery journey. Not only does being surrounded by like-minded people foster feelings of connection, but they also make you feel supported and strong, through some of life’s most difficult challenges.
With Recovery Centers of America’s Alumni Association, you’ll learn so much more about addiction and how you can live a meaningful, happy life in recovery. Alumni Association members have access to a significant number of individuals navigating recovery, some brand new and others with years of experience. You’ll find these meetings – and the people! – to be inspiring and open-minding. Learn more about our Alumni, including how to join, here!
Recovery Centers of America is here for you, 24/7. If you’re struggling or need help, call us any time at 1-800-RECOVERY.
