This month, we’re looking at the steps that you need to take after drug rehab in order to maintain recovery. There are a number of threats to your sobriety, and they can come from everywhere. The next few posts are dedicated to giving you the guidance you need to get through and avoid relapse whenever possible after drug addiction.

Have anything to add? Any suggestions that worked for you? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Getting the Support You Need After Drug Rehab

There are a number of different resources for emotional and physical support after you leave drug rehab and all of them can be the defining factor in your sobriety. Here are a few examples:

• Job support. As you begin the process of starting a new life without drugs and alcohol, you’ll most likely need to find a job. There are community resources (like food stamps and cash aid) that can get you started while also offering you help with the creation of a resume, job fairs, job interview training and more. Some communities even have resources where you can get interview-appropriate clothing if you need it. Money is a big problem that causes people to relapse. Take advantage of your community’s resources!
• Peer support. Meeting other people who are going through the same issues that you are as they acclimate to a life without drug and alcohol addiction can be crucial. It’s good to know that you’re not alone and to avoid isolation – isolation almost always leads to a slip or relapse. Instead, attend 12-step meetings for recovering alcoholics and addicts, go to group therapy and/ or volunteer in drug addiction outreach.
• Family and friends. Not all of your family and friends are going to be supportive of your continued recovery after drug rehab. Some who are continuing to drink and use drugs will, of course, want you to join them. Others who have a “normal” relationship with illicit substances may believe that you can have the same thing if you try. It’s important to find friends and lean on the family members who are willing to take midnight phone calls or last minute requests for time or help when you feel like you just need someone to hang out with or talk to in order to avoid relapse – leave the rest behind until you are more grounded in your new life in recovery.

Stay tuned for our next post in the series, After Drug Rehab: Create Your Own Treatment Plan.

Tags: after drug rehab, drug-rehab, friends and family rehab, jobs after drug rehab, peer support rehab

   

About Valeria W.

       

Valeria W. likes to consider herself "an encyclopedia" of addiction and rehab knowledge. Valeria lives to hear from people who have been positively influenced by her work - and sought out drug or alcohol rehab help as a result of the information she has provided.

Also written by: Valeria W.