Addiction recovery takes time and dedication. It’s a lifelong process that requires self-care, smart choices and healthy coping. The first year of recovery is when you’ll be most vulnerable, as your brain is still recovering and you’re learning new ways to deal with challenging situations. But rather than looking ahead, it’s best to take things one day at a time.
With that in mind, let’s look at the five things you should do after completing drug rehab in Prescott AZ.
1. Connect with Sober Friends and Family
People who have strong support systems at home have improved outcomes compared to those who don’t. If your friendships were built on drugs, you’ll need to find sober friends and family to spend your time with. Otherwise, it will be much easier to return to drugs or alcohol.
Spending time with the right people will fill your schedule and also show you healthy ways to have fun. Hopefully you have some friends and family you can be with, but if you don’t, meet people in your 12-step meetings or peer support groups.
Also, finding new interests, hobbies and activities will help you find positive influences. For example, you can join a book club or a spinning class. You can donate your time to a local charity, shelter or humane society. All of these activities provide you with opportunities to meet new people.
2. Keep Your Follow-Up Appointments
As part of your aftercare plan, you’ll be expected to continue your follow-up appointments, including counseling sessions and doctor visits. It’s important that you continue caring for your physical and mental health, as this makes it easier to make smart choices.
Furthermore, you need to continue the healing process. Meeting with your counselors will help with the following:
- Set short- and long-term goals
- Strengthen essential life skills
- Process your feelings
- Prepare for change and transitions
- Manage relapse triggers
3. Stay Alert for Signs of Relapse
Relapse is common in the first year of recovery, with rates around 40 to 60 percent. Some say that relapse is a part of the recovery process.
While it’s important to know that relapse is normal and does not indicate failed treatment, it’s not something you have to go through. Continue to protect yourself from relapse by recognizing your triggers.
Relapse is a process, not an event. By being vigilant, you can get extra support to prevent a slip up.
4. Ease Into Your Routine
Your treatment center in Arizona probably eased you into some type of routine. But now that you’re home and won’t be going back and forth for treatment, you’ll have more time to fill. Keep a structured routine to keep yourself busy and prevent boredom, but also don’t overfill your plate. For example, you may be best working part-time right now instead of full-time.
5. Take One Day at a Time
Most importantly, take one day at a time. When you wake up in the morning, write in a gratitude journal, meditate or spend a few minutes saying positive affirmations. Get the day off to a great start!
Try to be present, as this protects you from ruminating about the past and worrying about the future. Set small, easy goals that you can reach to increase your confidence. Every day and week that passes makes it easier to achieve a life of sobriety.
If you’re ready to start your journey at a treatment center in Arizona, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today. We have three tracks of care that will help you move through recovery while protecting you from relapse.
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.
