Completing an addiction treatment program can be a rewarding experience for many individuals. Yet, completing a treatment program does not guarantee 100% relief from substance cravings or unwanted substance triggers. Thus, making changes in one’s life may be crucial to promote long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. There is a strong relationship between abstinence and success in recovery. Staying committed to outpatient therapy and building a strong support system with peers can help one reach a positive recovery outcome for a better quality of life. It can be beneficial for an individual to seek support through Renaissance Ranch for a smoother transition into recovery.
The Excitement of Early Recovery
Transitioning into early recovery can be an exciting yet nerve-racking stage. Completing treatment is something for one to be very proud of. The phases of early recovery can be different for some individuals. This depends on their diagnosis, length of treatment completed, and direction moving forward. Not everyone is ready for independent living without direct consistent support.
Early recovery typically requires one to make many different sacrifices for a more comfortable lifestyle. This can help one maintain the same level of success. It is common for even the most motivated individuals who are facing challenges with addiction to relapse within the first year after treatment. Even though this is a common problem, making changes can help one stay on track toward a healthier lifestyle with mental stability free from drugs and alcohol.
Making Changes in Early Recovery
Establishing change can relieve one from intense cravings and reduce the number of unwanted triggers. Altering one’s daily routine can be done as a method of relapse prevention. Staying busy can help an individual facing problems with addiction stay on track to a healthy recovery. Although both early and late recovery does come with many challenges, promoting change can significantly help. For example, an individual may find a smoother recovery by taking action in these different areas:
- Removing toxic friends and hurtful family members, then seeking peer support with likeminded sober individuals
- Residing in an environment free from drugs and alcohol to limit unwanted substance exposure
- Changing employment in hopes of working in a sober workplace with reduced stress levels
- Discontinuing bad addictive habits and developing a structured routine for more balance
- Attending alumni events instead of participating in irresponsible activities that could derail one’s recovery
The Importance of Abstinence and Ongoing Care in Recovery
Moving forward in recovery can be a difficult stage. This can be especially so for those who are still having difficulty coping with their dual diagnosis or a more severe form of substance use disorder (SUD). Research indicates recovery is a lifelong and dynamic process. Thus, seeking ongoing care is crucial for relapse prevention.
Moving forward with aftercare services or getting involved with an alumni program can provide additional support. Participating in a 12-Step aftercare program can be beneficial for those hoping to maintain short-term abstinence. Doing so can help many individuals reinforce and maintain the skills learned in past treatment. Some general benefits of ongoing support include:
- Professional guidance in maintaining long-term sobriety for a more comfortable process moving forward
- Aftercare programs can work to reinforce the skills learned in past treatment for relapse prevention
- Support groups can help individuals develop a strong support system for relief from social isolation
- Recovery coaching can give helpful resources and information for those who feel lost moving forward alone
Benefits of Seeking Peer Support for Abstinence and Success
According to the journal Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, peer support is critical for long-term sobriety. It is the process of giving and receiving nonclinical and nonprofessional assistance. Reaching out to like-minded individuals who have been through a similar addiction journey can be helpful. Spending quality time with those who are also on a similar path toward ongoing sobriety can be a great way to open doors to:
- A safe place to confide
- Learned coping strategies
- News on alumni events
- A stronger support system
- Community assistance
- Reduced likelihood of relapse
Ongoing Support With Renaissance Ranch for Abstinence and Success
Knowing that some individuals find the transition into recovery to be a difficult process, seeking ongoing support through a trusted facility can be the next best step. Renaissance Ranch offers the convenience of providing our clients with ongoing support directly after completing their program if needed. Everyone deserves to find peace and heal from addiction. Our facility offers a variety of treatment solutions to ensure our clients meet each stage of their addiction recovery. Clients at Renaissance Ranch have the opportunity to move forward with aftercare services for a stronger path forward. Ongoing support through an approved aftercare program may consist of:
- Working with a recovery coach
- Residing in a sober living home
- Joining an alumni program and attending events
- Participating in outpatient therapy services
Here at Renaissance Ranch, we believe in providing the best quality care to all those who participate in our programs. We understand that the journey to addiction recovery can be intimidating and the technicalities of different stages of treatment can dishearten individuals and their families. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment solutions to meet each stage of addiction recovery. Our support for our patients doesn’t end after treatment. Connection is everything, so we spare no time or expense to keep guys connected with other men who know what it’s like to struggle with alcoholism and addiction. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 to learn more about how our aftercare services can help you achieve abstinence and success.