Completing a 12-step addiction recovery program successfully is a great accomplishment on your road to recovery. However, it is not the end of the road. Everyone in recovery will face unique challenges along the way. Living your new life after rehab can take a lot of adjustment, but there are many steps you can take to help overcome these challenges. Dignity Hall believes in your recovery. We can guide you through the process and provide you with access to the supportive communities you may need to keep living a sober lifestyle.
Setting Goals in Early Recovery
There are some common issues people face in early recovery. Because there are shared issues many face in creating and maintaining a sober lifestyle after treatment, there are several ways to overcome those challenges. The first challenges revolve around being pro-active and engaging with the community around you. For example, it’s necessary to build new relationships. When an individual is in recovery, they need to build relationships that are supportive and loving. Learning how to communicate healthily and making mends with loved ones who you have hurt in the past is essential in moving forward.
This is also important because, once sober, individuals need to be aware of the triggers from their past. These triggers can be people or places. Sometimes, an individual has to leave those behind to stay sober, and doing so requires meeting new people, exploring new places, and becoming part of a supportive community.
What follows next is finding a purpose in life. After rehab, adapting to a life that does not revolve around drugs and alcohol can be difficult. Finding a new purpose in life is important. This can vary from person-to-person but may include finding a new meaningful career path, developing new hobbies and interests, participating in volunteer work, and finding new social groups.
Continuing the Work of Recovery
Once someone has begun to build new relationships and is working to find a purpose to focus their attention, there are still challenges to be faced. For instance, boredom is a constant concern. While an individual is in rehab, they follow a structured schedule. After rehab is completed, returning home may be difficult without a daily schedule. One way to make the transition smoother and provide the necessary structure to keep sobriety intact in early recovery is by joining a sober living home.
Moving into structured sober living housing, such as Dignity Hall, after completing a rehab program, can help guide you on how to live day-to-day without drugs and alcohol in your life. Activities such as reading, walking, meditating, or learning a new hobby are excellent uses of your time. This also lowers the risk of relapse.
After treatment and in early recovery, relapsing is perhaps the most significant concern. Those who are recovering from addiction are at risk of relapse during and after recovery. Relapse can be brought on by several issues an individual may face, such as stress, anxiety, cravings, and old acquaintances. A sober living home is designed to help an individual in recovery build life skills and modify unhealthy behaviors. Also, it’s key to remember relapse isn’t a failing. It’s not uncommon to relapse. What matters most is getting yourself back on track.
Doing so may involve addressing trauma. Many people who have experienced life trauma may have used drugs and alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism. During recovery, individuals are challenged to face their trauma head-on without the aid of addictive substances. Working with therapists and psychiatrists can help individuals address some of these deeply rooted issues.
Dignity Hall
Early recovery can be a challenging time. However, there is still support available to you or your loved one during this time. Finding a sober living home can provide structure to the recovery process. To learn more about Dignity Hall Sober Living Homes in South Jersey, reach out today at 855.380.7560.
