That’s it! You’ve done it, rehab is done and it’s time to get back into the real world—congrats!
So now what? For many, leaving rehab could be as scary as joining it, but it doesn’t have to be.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common things that happen after rehab ends.
What Happens After Rehab Ends
Getting a Job
Earning an income is a critical step in building a strong foundation for your new sober life. Therefore, as a recovering addict, this will likely be one of your primary concerns.
For those who have been out of the workforce for some time, getting a job could be frightening but fear not as there are many sources that can help you get back on track with your career.
In Pennsylvania, for instance, the Vocational Rehabilitation program offers job assistance to recovering addicts and alcoholics. These programs can be advantageous for the recovering addict as the employer will be aware of the condition and willing to support them back in their workforce reintegration.
Other great online sources for getting a job after rehab include:
- The Department of Labor
- The National Skills Coalition
- The Salvation Army
- National H.I.R.E. Network
- Indeed
Aftercare
Relapse prevention programs, also known as aftercare plans, which are designed to help recovering addicts reduce their risk of relapsing.
There are many forms of relapse prevention programs. Some of them include:
- Support Groups
- Therapy
- 12-step programs
- Rehab aftercare programs
- Sober housing
Finding relapse prevention programs is the most critical post-rehab task that any recovering addict should engage in.
Relapse prevention programs help addicts by:
- Using treatment to help individuals recognize the early stages of relapse and treat it before it occurs
- Understanding that each stage of recovery has its own risk of relapse and treating each stage differently
- Using the main tools of relapse prevention which are cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation
- Teaching them how to be honest and asking for help when needed
After rehab, recovering addicts can maintain their sobriety by participating in relapse prevention programs, which will significantly decrease their chances of relapsing.
Making New Friends
It won’t be long after leaving rehab that an addict will discover that nearly every contact in their list is someone they shouldn’t be spending time with anymore if they want to avoid relapse.
Let’s face it, we are highly influenced by the people we spend the most time with. So the last thing a recovering addict might want to do is call back their drinking buddy or their drug dealer.
But we do need a social circle so where do we start to build a healthy and new one?
Making new friends in recovery could feel daunting, but the reality is that sober and healthy friendships are more common than one might think.
Addicts have a large network of recovering addicts available to them in 12-step and other aftercare programs. This can be a great place to start making new friends.
Prioritize Your Recovery
Recovery doesn’t end at the gates of rehab, staying sober requires maintenance. Therefore, recovering addicts should seek to incorporate healthy sober habits into their daily life, and make this a top priority.
Healthy recovery habits that can be incorporated to prioritize recovery include:
- Practicing yoga
- Meditating daily
- Working with a sponsor
- Exercising
- Healthy nutrition
Enjoying life
Last but not least, don’t forget that the most important thing is to pat yourself on the back and enjoy your new life to the fullest. Go do all of the things you wished to do now that you have your newfound sobriety.
Build a life, a family, get a career and see the world. Whatever your dream might be, it’s now achievable, so go live it!
Finding Relapse Prevention Programs
90210 Recovery offers relapse prevention programs for graduating patients to help them gain the necessary tools that will keep them sober long after they leave the facilities.
Contact 90210 Recovery today to learn more about our relapse prevention programs.
