Any time you decide to make a change, you commit to a process. In some cases, the process lasts a short time, but the results remain with you throughout your life. In other cases, like addiction treatment, your decision to quit using alcohol or drugs is a lifelong commitment. Your choice to acknowledge you have a substance use disorder (SUD) means you are willing to learn about your SUD and how it affects the relationships in your life.
There’s more to addiction treatment than going through a program, though. Once you complete a program, you can become involved in an aftercare program, enter sober living, or participate in Alumni groups. Post-treatment activities like these are essential to your continued recovery because a life change like quitting alcohol or drugs can be challenging.
Committing to Change
Addiction treatment guides you to embrace the person you are and find the good within yourself. When you entered a treatment program, you most likely admitted you were helpless and could not control your life. As your use increased, you might have damaged or lost relationships, jobs, or safety. Acknowledging that you need help shows you’re ready to give your power over to something higher than yourself.
Healing is a spiritual, mental, and physical process as you engage in the services provided by an addiction treatment program, whether it involves group, individual, or family therapy. While you’re in therapy sessions, work with your therapist to improve communication skills with yourself and your family.
You can explore holistic therapies like meditation, yoga, or music to help cope with stress or triggers. All of these therapies aid you in discovering self-awareness, self-care, balance in your relationships, and work. Holistic therapies will also provide ways to integrate healthy habits like exercise, a healthy diet, and improve your sleep. Explore different holistic therapies whenever you feel you need a boost in your recovery.
Sometimes you require something new to help relieve boredom or feeling stagnant or stale. Recovery is like everything else in your life – it can get old. Too often, you can neglect yourself, and the risk of relapse can increase.
Routines, Stability, and Change
There’s nothing wrong with routine. People with habits are dependable and stable. You can find security in knowing what you’re doing, where you’re going, and how to handle specific situations. For some, there’s a comfort in their habits and routines. If you find comfort or stability in your routine, embrace that feeling.
However, if you find yourself bored or searching for something new, take a look at what is going on in your life. Has something changed? Are you the same person you were when you began your routine? More than likely, the answer to both is yes. You have changed because change is a part of life. Change is also a part of the 12-Step process.
Despite changes, you can continue to find stability in a routine. Perhaps an integral part of your routine is attending meetings. Try a new group, meet sober friends, get out of your rut. New people, stories, and sources of support can increase your commitment to your recovery.
You see, you didn’t change your routine of going to a meeting. You changed the people and place. The foundation remains, but the view shifted. Don’t be afraid to change your perspective.
Maybe you need a complete overhaul in your life. Instead of trying to do this alone, utilize your support system. Engage in Alumni meetings, join a sober group that shares an interest you have, or talk to your therapist or sponsor. Involve anyone in your life who you feel will guide you to discover healthy ways to maintain your sobriety. Your desire to take the next step to a better version of yourself defines your recovery. Go out and try something like hiking, riding a horse, or painting.
Be Prepared
Relapse happens when you’re not prepared. However, being prepared looks different to everyone. For example, if you know you have a test, you may study for days before the exam. Your friend may only study the night before. You both received the same grade. Your preparation method wasn’t better than your friend’s because you’re not the same as your friend.
Take a mental inventory to see how you’re doing every once in a while. A few potential risks of relapse include:
- Low self-confidence
- Lack of motivation to maintain participation in groups
- Loss or absence of a healthy support system
- An emotional or upsetting event or situation
- Isolating or withdrawing from others
- Being around people, places, or situations where substances are present
- Not reaching out to your recovery support system
Before leaving addiction treatment, create an aftercare plan with your therapist. Whether you continue with your therapist or become involved with a group, check-in with yourself and your plan. Work on your coping skills, update your goals, and write down new goals. Stay motivated.
The decision to quit drinking alcohol or using drugs is a huge step towards living a new life. Your commitment to yourself and your well-being is reflected in your treatment and recovery. After you complete an addiction treatment program, the real work begins. Treatment is a safe space where the real world and its complications don’t intrude. Once you finish treatment and re-enter your life, you will face challenges. Renaissance Ranch Treatment Centers believes in helping you prepare for the situations you may encounter once you leave our program. We offer services that prepare you by teaching you communication and coping skills. Whenever you need to re-center, check-in, or start again, we welcome you to reach out to us in Utah or online. You’re encouraged to participate in Alumni gatherings, enter sober living, or come back if you relapse. Our goal is not to judge but to help you live the life you deserve. Call (801) 308-8898 today.