How to Start a New, Clean Life After Substance Use Treatment

If you are completing a residential or outpatient substance use treatment program, it’s natural to experience some anxiety about what life after treatment will be like. You’re embarking on a new way of life that favors self-care and clean living over alcohol or substance use, and it’s common to be worried about how you’re going to make it once the support of being in rehabilitation is gone.

This article offers tools and tips to help you maintain your sobriety as you find and embrace your best life after treatment.

Life After Rehabilitation: A Blank Canvas

Leaving the safe and insulated environment of a substance use treatment center can be a scary proposition. You know that going back to the lifestyle and behaviors that fueled your dependency and brought you into treatment in the first place is not an option. But you aren’t quite sure what your new lifestyle will be like.

In the beginning, it’s a good idea to take a little time to reflect on everything you’ve learned and prepare yourself to create a new paradigm for your life. Think of the future as a blank canvas and embrace this chance to paint a new picture for your life that is full of healthy and self-empowering choices.

Crafting a Substance-Free Life

As you embark on your new life after substance use treatment, consider ways you can:

Set realistic and achievable goals. You might be tempted to take on too much too soon. Nobody tries to run a marathon the first time they set out on the jogging trail, and you shouldn’t try to set and accomplish all your relationship, health, and financial goals all at once. Pace yourself. Start with a few steps here and there, and you’ll find that you’ll be building momentum as time goes on.
Build a strong support system. You are going to have to replace the built-in support system you had while in rehabilitation. Seek out others in recovery to support you — and to whom you can offer your support — as well as family members and friends whom you can trust to have your back.
Implement healthy routines and habits. A great way to support your substance-free life is by eating healthy food, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising at least a little bit each day. Look at this new time in your life as a chance to embrace new life-affirming habits.

Staying Clean After Addiction Recovery

Use the coping skills you picked up while in inpatient or outpatient treatment to identify and avoid the old triggers that compelled you to use drugs or alcohol. Continue to work on developing those strategies — remember, recovery is a process, not a destination — and find new ways to bring healthy, life-affirming energy into your life each day.

Attend 12-step program meetings, find a church-based or spiritual support group, or engage with others who can lend support and offer you healing energy. Find a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction recovery. Studies show that both support groups and engaging in cognitive therapy go a long way in preventing relapse and supporting recovery from dependence.

Establishing a New Identity

Look for new ways to express your sober identity. Channel your energy into creative projects. Explore new hobbies. Join a gym or learn to play a new sport. Keep your mind and body engaged in healthy and stimulating pursuits that support the new you.

This might also be a good time to look at your personal and professional goals. Put some time into shoring up old relationships and forming new ones. If you put work-related goals on the back burner, start thinking about how you can move forward in the direction of your professional dreams.

The Importance of Aftercare Programs

Many people choose to attend an aftercare program — a type of ongoing treatment for people who have completed inpatient or outpatient treatment — to help them with staying clean after addiction recovery. As many as 60% of people in recovery experience a relapse, and aftercare programs can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of relapsing.

Consider entering a structured outpatient aftercare program to help you maintain a clean lifestyle and successfully transition from treatment into your new sober lifestyle.

How Retreat Behavioral Health Can Help You With a Smooth Transition to Life After Rehab

Life after substance use treatment can be amazing and fulfilling, especially if you take the steps necessary to set yourself up for success. Retreat Behavioral Health offers compassionate care during your recovery journey. From customized inpatient substance use disorder treatment plans to outpatient programs and other resources for alumni seeking aftercare and support, our team of licensed medical professionals is dedicated to you and your recovery.

To learn more, contact us online or speak with one of our substance use recovery experts by calling 1-855-859-8808.