It takes hard work and a tenacious mindset to complete addiction or mental health treatment successfully. Although an individual treatment plan has been completed, this does not mean that that person is entirely cured. Some individuals may still experience problems coping with their condition and maintaining mental stability. However, knowing early recovery can be a vulnerable stage, using self-help strategies when necessary can help one effectively cope. Choosing to reside in a women’s sober living home at Renaissance Ranch can provide additional support and prepare an individual for a more confident transition into independent living.
Feeling Vulnerable in Early Recovery
It is common for some women to feel vulnerable once treatment has been completed. This can be due to several different reasons. Various factors may come into play with an individual’s state of vulnerability. For example, an individual with a more severe mental illness may still face problems managing their symptoms in recovery. If one has low self-esteem or a major lack of confidence moving forward, it is common for one to feel unguarded. Many women may find it difficult to combat trauma and substance triggers if they return to an unhealthy environment where substance exposure or trauma remains.
Recognizing the Gradual Stages of Relapse
Incorporating the skills learned from past treatment and consistently using them outside of therapy can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life. According to The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, it may be helpful for one to understand how to recognize the gradual stages of relapse. These stages include:
- Emotional relapse – An individual may remember their last time abusing substances but chooses not to use them
- Mental Relapse – An individual may think about using but part of them is still not interested
- Physical relapse – An individual begins using harmful substances again
Self-Help Strategies to Cope in Early Recovery
Knowing early recovery can be a highly sensitive stage, sometimes it can help if one practices a few self-help strategies to better cope with their condition. It is always good to have different tools on hand to effectively respond in times of need for relapse prevention. Different strategies to manage substance triggers include:
- Make positive changes to one’s life – Discontinue using harmful substances, participate in sober activities, and spend time with those who follow a sober lifestyle
- Stay completely honest with themselves, loved ones, and professionals – Be open and honest for ongoing guidance
- Reach out for additional support – Seek help before it is too late
- Practice self-care – Try meditation, light reading, listening to music, or journaling symptoms or progress
- Don’t bend the rules – Do not change the rules for added convenience
What Is a Women’s Sober Living Home?
An all-women’s sober living home can be a great option for those who do not feel ready to transition into a normal way of life without support. Instead of returning to a toxic environment with unwanted triggers, it may be best for one to surround oneself with other women who are on a similar path to long-term sobriety. Residing with others who are also working toward similar goals can be a great way to pick up new strategies and effectively maintain a sober lifestyle with mental stability.
Many women who live in a sober living house gain new opportunities, resources, and ongoing care. At Renaissance Ranch, our sober living home for women in Burley, Idaho, helps women ease back into earning a living or attending school while staying surrounded by an amazing support system. Further benefits of residing in an all-women’s sober living home include:
- Gained new friendships
- Learned accountability
- Ongoing guidance
- Continued mental health services
- Relapse prevention
- Increased independence
- Continued focus on faith
Transitioning Into Normal Living After Being Discharged From a Women’s Sober Living Home
Support does not stop once an individual confidently leaves their women’s sober living home. Renaissance Ranch offers various aftercare services to support both men and women. Everyone deserves a second chance at life. Our program understands that it is very common for those with substance use disorder (SUD) to relapse within the first year after completing addiction treatment. Take comfort in knowing women who have been a part of Renaissance Ranch’s addiction program are also entitled to covered care for the rest of their lives at Renaissance Ranch.
Joining the All Women’s Alumni Program
If a relapse occurs those facing persistent challenges with their condition are welcomed back into their addiction program with no extra charge. Women are also encouraged to join their all-women’s alumni program to continue to receive ongoing support. It is very much like Renaissance Ranch’s Band of Brothers program for men. Many women have found great success through attending their alumni program’s events and community activities. Extracurricular activities that women find enjoyable together include:
- Barbecuing
- Hiking together
- Spending time at the beach
- Marathons
- Camping trips
- Study groups
- Boating
At Renaissance Ranch, our comprehensive approach empowers women beyond immediate healing. We understand the significance of addressing women’s mental well-being throughout their recovery journey. Within our gender-specific program, we establish a safe and nurturing environment dedicated to addressing women’s mental health concerns. If you’re ready to break free from their hold on you, Renaissance Ranch is here to help you every step of the way. After completing our residential treatment program, you will begin our eight-month outpatient program. Most women find living in a sober living home to be an incredibly helpful transition from the full immersion of residential treatment back into real life. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 for additional support.