Just about every stage of recovery comes with its ups and downs. It is highly common for those in early recovery to relapse within the first year after completing treatment. Even the most motivated individuals may find it difficult to maintain progress in late recovery during the healing process. Fortunately, practicing the sober living skills learned in therapy at Renaissance Ranch outside of treatment can help. Incorporating them into a structured routine can help individuals work through the three stages of relapse and gain a safe recovery.
The Challenges of Both Early and Late Recovery
Early recovery can be a vulnerable stage. It can also be a busy phase in a person’s life, as those in early recovery are typically required to make several life changes. Positive changes may include establishing a sober living environment, leaving a toxic work environment, and making healthy connections with sober individuals.
As early recovery goals become met, life begins to slow down gradually. When this occurs, if an individual does not stick to a structured routine, it can be easy for one to tread off the grid. Substance cravings, triggers, and unwanted exposure can still be problematic. If a person fails to maintain a healthy recovery using sober living skills, they may pick up on past addictive habits and potentially relapse.
#1. Develop a Strong Support Network for a Safe Recovery
Knowing that both early and late recovery can come with many different obstacles, each individual must develop a strong support system. Doing so may help reduce stress, increase their sense of belonging, improve their level of confidence, and create better recovery outcomes. A relapse can put a person in a coma, cause one to be disabled, and risk their entire livelihood. Therefore, social support aids in relapse prevention.
#2. Participate in Sober Activities for a Safe Recovery
Both early and late recovery can feel isolating. When an individual feels out of the loop, they may start feeling vulnerable. One positive change one can make in recovery is to discontinue past addictive habits and replace them by participating in sober activities with like-minded individuals. Engaging with others doing sober activities can be a fulfilling experience. Doing so can keep individuals busy, ward off cravings, and encourage healthy connections for support moving forward in recovery. Fun sober activities include:
- Sporting events
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Study groups
- Marathons
- Working out
- Playing board games
#3. Establish a Structured Routine for a Balanced Recovery
Life is full of changes. Unexpected life events can derail an individual’s success while in recovery. Consequently, It can be difficult for some individuals to stay on track toward peaceful healing. For that reason, individuals must maintain a structured routine to maintain a healthy recovery. Although it is expected for those in recovery to take a step back to recover from other life events, once they are level-headed, it can be helpful to jump back into their expected routine rather than grasp at nothing. Keeping a routine can increase productivity and provide a greater sense of control for long-term healing.
#4. Seek Additional Aftercare Services for a Safe Recovery
Not everyone feels ready to transition into recovery, nor do some individuals feel confident moving forward after a relapse. Inquiring about continuing care services at Renaissance Ranch can help individuals prepare for a safer recovery. For example, discussing the pros of residing in a sober living home (SLH) can help. It can ensure a healthy living environment for those who lack a safe home setting to return to after completing treatment. An SLH provides a substance-free and stable living environment. Other aftercare services to explore include:
- Recovery coaching
- Relapse prevention therapy
- AA/NA meetings
- Bi-weekly check-ins
- Outpatient care
- Band of Brothers Alumni Program
#5. Maintain a Nutritious Diet for a Healthy Recovery
Substance abuse can bring immense harm to a person’s physical and mental health. Research indicates that malnutrition may promote substance abuse and hinder recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Poor nutrition severely impacts one’s physical and psychological health. This can impede an individual’s ability to say no to substance use and recover as a whole. Following a balanced diet can help improve an individual’s mood and regenerate the strength that was lost during active addiction. It is a natural way to detox by replacing toxins with healthy and nutritious foods.
#6. Engage in Self-Care for a Safe Recovery
Understanding that recovery can be a tough process, it is important to take action to decompress from life stressors. Doing so can help individuals relax and regain productivity. Practicing self-care can help to provide a safe recovery, reduce the risk of relapse, and help an individual live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Positive self-care strategies include:
- Picking up a sober hobby
- Journaling one’s progress
- Practicing daily gratitude
- Going for a morning stroll
- Getting an adequate amount of sleep
- Taking a warm bath
- Reading a book
- Cycling around town
Renaissance Ranch provides gender-specific treatment for addiction to better help our clients succeed in long-term recovery. From the moment our clients make the initial call to get treatment, we put them on a roadmap that leads them from detoxification to inpatient rehab, to continuing care, and through to an honored place in our sober alumni network. Sober living adds a level of accountability for clients, which is critical to their sobriety. This level of accountability allows Renaissance Ranch staff to know what is going on in our clients’ personal lives, including how they are maintaining their sobriety in real life, as well as what is happening with their continued therapy for addiction recovery. Call us at (801) 308-8898 for support.