You’ve put a lot of work into your treatment program, and you don’t want it to be in vain. Therefore, you need to start thinking about your return to society as your time in rehab winds down. You don’t need to stress about the future – it’s best to take things one day at a time. But it’s also important to be aware of what life will look like when you return home.
Here are five things you’ll need to do when you complete drug and alcohol rehab in Prescott AZ.
1. Evaluate Your Living Conditions
The first thing to do is assess your living conditions. It’s possible that your home may be full of reminders of your past drug or alcohol use. These reminders can be powerful triggers for addiction cravings.
To continue moving in the right direction, you’ll need a structured routine and a supportive family. Make sure that you continue attending your 12-step meetings and therapy sessions. If you don’t have a supportive home life, you may find it best to live in sober housing until you grow stronger in your recovery.
2. Attend Your Follow Up Appointments
When you leave drug rehab in Arizona, you’ll be responsible for attending your follow-up appointments. If you don’t have transportation, look into other options such as virtual visits. Or, you may have to enlist help from friends and family or take public transportation.
Life can get hectic, so it’s important that you have the tools you need within reach. Skipping appointments should not be an option, as they are part of your long-term recovery.
3. Find Support Groups in Your Area
There are a number of support groups that can help your recovery by allowing you to share your personal experiences and learn from the experiences of others. Support groups also introduce you to new people and help you feel alone.
Locate support groups in your area, such as Alcohol Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery and Women for Sobriety. There are many different programs, so find one that supports you.
4. Know the Signs of Relapse
Relapse is not something that just happens out of nowhere. It’s a process, and many people struggle for weeks or months before they relapse. Know what signs you should be watching for, and be ready to get yourself extra help if you need it.
Common signs of relapse include:
- Increased stress
- Social isolation
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Decline in self-care
- Mood changes
- Romanticizing substance use
- Developing cross addictions
5. Meet Sober People
The friends you used to get high or drunk with can’t be in your life, at least right now. Otherwise, they may cause you to relapse and further enable your addiction. Instead, you’ll need to find sober friends to spend your time with.
This can be a hard thing to do since so many other things are changing. Your friends might feel like a familiar source of comfort. But right now, your recovery must come first. Spending time with old friends will be too much of a trigger.
Some people who recover from substance use visit Arizona treatment centers multiple times before staying sober. It’s possible that you may benefit from additional time in treatment, too. To learn more about the treatment options offered by Wolf Creek Recovery, contact our admissions team today.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
