After completing detoxification and rehabilitation, you’ve got the opportunity to start everything from scratch. But where to begin? And how can you avoid the return to old routes?  

First of all, it’s important to look at your life as a journey rather than something you need to “get back into.” Addiction and treatment are the parts of your journey that are already done. 

After rehab, you’ll face the common challenges of life after recovery. Here’re some pieces of advice that will help you cope with those problems, stay clean and fix your life. Hopefully, you won’t need to seek for an outpatient drug treatment near me https://addictionresource.com/drug-rehab/outpatient-rehabs-nearby/ again.

Reconnecting with family

Harmful substances had devastating effects not only on you, but on your closets people. They may still feel resentment or anger because of the things you did while being stoned on drugs. So, don’t be surprised if they give you a cold welcome home. 

Some rehabs offer couple or family therapies. They help spouses or a whole family to fix their relationship. If you didn’t have such an option, you’ll need to gain the family’s trust yourself.  

Of course, you should say sorry for the way you’ve acted. Tell them about your current progress in recovery. They might doubt your decision to lead a sober life. And the only way to rebuild good relationships is to actually stay away from drugs and be patient.

Reconsidering your circle of friends

Perhaps, the biggest fear after leaving drug rehab is the fear of relapse. “What if I do this again? What then? Returning to outpatient drug rehab near me?”

It would be foolish of you as a recovering addict to maintain old friendships that were based on the same interest – drugs. Stay away from people who invite you to the places you used to get or use illicit substances. If someone who knows that you are in recovery still offers you substances, this person is not your friend as he or she doesn’t wish you the best.

Develop healthy relationships with drug-free people. They will support your decision to quit, encourage you to lead a healthier lifestyle, and create positive distractions.

Finding a sense of community

“I’ve completed an outpatient treatment near me. Where should I seek for further support?” You may think. 

Research shows that 12-Step affiliation is a predictor of abstinence sustained continuously over one or more years. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a 12-step organization that brings together members of the community who are either in recovery for drug addiction or who want to be in recovery from this devastating condition. 

As a new NA member, you will get a sponsor – someone you can turn to if you are fighting cravings. The group atmosphere of the meetings provides peer-to-peer support through a network of people who are in similar stages of recovery, in earlier or later stages. Those who want to lead a drug-free lifestyle get an opportunity to build bonds and develop healthy relationships with people who are also in recovery.

Avoiding triggers and coping with cravings

The first six months of recovery is the period when a relapse is most likely to occur. Studies reveal that between 66%-80% of recovering addicts relapse during half a year after treatment. 

Determine your triggers and get ready to future difficulties. If you participated in therapy in an outpatient rehab near me, you must already have a set of techniques that helps to cope with different tempting situations. 

Many people find it useful to stay in some sort of sober living arrangement after they finish their recovery treatment. You can search for sober living near me if you’re interested in finding out more about this option. It helps you to stay away from potential triggers in the early stages of your drug recovery.

However, it’s best to avoid triggers than trying to resist the temptation. Try to avoid certain people, places, things, and moods that can trigger stress and provoke drug behavior.

Develop healthy habits

There will be moments when you’ll engage in thoughts and behaviors that can lead to relapse. Even if you don’t actively seek drugs, some emotions (like anxiety, anger, and mood swings) or habits (isolation, bad sleep, and poor nutrition) make a setup for relapse. To nip the relapse probability in the bud, practice self-care with a healthier way of style. 

Stick to a better diet. Cut out junk food. Reduce sugar and unhealthy fats intake to a minimum. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and lean meats. Drink plenty of water, and avoid having too much coffee. Start visiting the gym. Also, have plenty of sleep and find some relaxing activity.

Of course, the change won’t come overnight. But with time, you’ll notice remarkable changes in your energy level, appearance, immunity and overall health.

Engage in new activities 

At first, entering a drug-free life may bring boredom and loneliness. Previously enjoyable activities may seem uninteresting when you are not high. But there are so many activities that can give mental and social outlets without any doping. Maybe you’ve already found a hobby in the rehab facility near me. If not, here’re some of the options:

• Go to the cinema or theater 
• Play sports games
• Learn to play a music instrument
• Take drawing lessons
• Read a famous novel
• Volunteer
• Attend conventions.

Now when you don’t need to spend money on illegal substances, you’ll have an opportunity to invest them in your personal development and growth. The advantage of a new hobby is that it will act as a distraction from negative thoughts, including those about drugs.

Finding a job 

Staying busy provides the stability that you need in this early stage of recovery. Having a job means provides a purpose and a stable routine. 

Returning to work after rehab is stressful and intimidating, especially if your colleges and boss know about your life situation. Accept the fact that you are in recovery. You can be either open about it or keep silent on the things.  

If you’ve lost your job because of your addiction, it can be difficult to find a new one. Who can help you? Ask your family and friends, aftercare programs or sober living communities. Also, consider working as a freelancer. 

The time after rehab can be tough. But as soon as you understand that life can be great without drugs, you’ll start enjoying it and become stronger than addiction.