After addiction treatment ends, many face the challenge of learning how to embrace sobriety outside the walls of a rehab center. With the right resources and attitude, however, it’s completely possible to protect all the hard work you put into your health. To help individuals discover the positive possibilities of life after treatment, BRIGHTSIDE Clinic in Northbrook, Tinley Park, and North Aurora, Illinois offers a few proven strategies to stay strong in recovery.
5 Strategies for Staying Sober After Addiction Treatment
1. Build a Support Team
Addiction recovery can be an isolating experience—especially as you adjust to life without drugs. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Make an effort to ask those close to you for help, and be open with them about how you feel. You can also turn to a support group for additional help. Whether they are family or friends, your team can be there to help you avoid triggers or simply listen to your feelings.
2. Embrace Healthy Habits
As you move on from the dangerous habits of opiate or heroin addiction, you’ll find more time to build your health. Use these pockets of time to focus on developing a few new healthy habits—such as hiking, swimming, or yoga—that can boost your mood and wellness at the same time. You can also try getting involved in less physical activities, such as painting or writing.
3. Set Goals
After addiction treatment, the future may seem blank and intimidating. This is often a point where individuals may feel worthless and return to drug use. That’s why people in recovery are encouraged to set specific goals, both long and short term. Whether they’re for your health, career, or education, these objectives will allow you to look past temptation and set your efforts on exciting possibilities.
4. Reflect
Since anxiety and stress are common triggers for relapse, it’s important to take the time to catalogue your thoughts and reflect on your emotions. Regular meditation, journaling, and addiction counseling are all excellent ways to recognize all the feelings you experience and help keep your mental health in check.
5. Continued Therapy
The end of your addiction treatment doesn’t have to be the end of therapy. There are many programs that offer continuous counseling to those in recovery. These resources can be incredibly helpful for those who need to navigate life’s challenges while avoiding the triggers that can lead to a relapse.
Offering both addiction and continuing treatment, Brightside Clinic is an exceptional resource for those looking to recover from opiate and heroin drug dependence. Visit the clinic online to learn more about their compassionate and complete approach to recovery. You can also call the Northbrook center at (224) 205-7866 or the Tinley Park location at (708) 292-0044 to get information about entering treatment.