There are a lot of misconceptions about rehab that make it hard to get treated for an addiction. If people knew what rehab was really like and what to expect, this would make it a lot easier to get into recovery.
Whether you’re thinking about getting help for a drug or alcohol problem or have recently completed a treatment program, realize that this is an incredibly courageous act. Then keep in mind that rehab is the start of a lifelong journey to greater healing and happiness.
Hear from real people who completed a Rehab After Work program.
Benefits of Rehab
Addiction recovery takes time and dedication. It’s helpful to have the support of treatment specialists at a rehab facility. If you’re still wondering whether rehab is worth it, here are some benefits of drug and alcohol treatment.
Improved Physical Health
There are many physical effects from drinking alcohol or using drugs: heart disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and cancer, just to name a few. On top of this, people often neglect their health when they are in active addiction. It’s hard to get proper nutrition, adequate sleep, relaxation, and exercise when you spend much of your free time acquiring or using a substance.
In rehab, you have the chance to detox from harmful substances. You’ll learn how to take care of your body and establish a healthier routine. When you take care of your physical health, sobriety will be easier to maintain.
Mental Wellness
Substance use also leads to psychological effects like anxiety, depression, paranoia, mood swings, and irritability. Detoxing from drugs or alcohol may improve most of these symptoms. However, there could be an underlying mental health disorder that contributed to the addiction.
Treatment programs address mental wellness and may even help you manage a disorder. Resolving these underlying issues improves quality of life and helps you stay sober.
Better Relationships
Completing rehab is a step forward in healing any broken relationships. When you finish a treatment program, it shows your loved ones that you’re committed to living a sober life and abandoning bad habits. They can see that you’re getting yourself to a healthier place, and trust can start to be restored.
Healthy Boundaries
Rehab programs also teach you about setting healthy boundaries in your life. Perhaps a dysfunctional family situation, stressful work environment, or other bad influences have contributed to your addiction. In rehab, you’ll be given the tools to set healthy external and internal boundaries. This allows you to avoid triggers for relapse and maintain sobriety.
Better Career Opportunities
When you’re in recovery instead of active addiction, you feel mentally and physically well. This translates into better job performance. Even if you lost your job because of an addiction, recovery gives you the chance to make a fresh start. Once you’re in recovery, you can pursue a career that uses your unique gifts and talents.
What Happens After Rehab?
There’s a lot of information about getting help for addiction, but not as much about life afterwards. Once you complete rehab, what comes next? Does everything go back to the way it was before your addiction? The truth is, no it doesn’t – and that’s a good thing. Once you complete a treatment program, you’re starting a whole new life built around recovery. Here’s what life is really like after rehab.
You’ll Keep Attending Treatment Sessions
Even after completing a formal treatment program, your recovery work isn’t done. Addiction is a chronic disease. Just as you would continue to see a doctor to manage diabetes or a heart condition, you should keep attending treatment sessions to manage your addiction.
This could come in many different forms. You might:
- Work with a therapist and have weekly counseling sessions
- Attend group therapy
- See a doctor specializing in addiction treatment
- Receive injections that block the effects of drugs and alcohol
- Try holistic therapies (like biofeedback therapy) to reduce stress and manage triggers
You might have to try a variety of things until you find a combination that works for you.
Have you recently completed inpatient or residential rehab? Looking for the next step? See if Rehab After Work could be a good fit for you.
Your Peers Will Offer Support
After completing rehab, it’s highly recommended that you find a 12-step group, or some other type of recovery group in your area. You should also build a support network of family, friends, and sponsors who will be there for you when you’re struggling and tempted to relapse. Peer support is vital for recovery.
You May Need to Cut Out Old Friends or Activities
Socializing with friends who encourage drug or alcohol use will endanger your recovery. If need be, form a new group of friends who are supportive of your recovery.
Some of the activities you used to enjoy may have also triggered substance use. Now that you’re in recovery, you’ll find new activities to fill your time and help you avoid relapse. Recovered people use hobbies as a safe outlet for stress and a chance to explore their passions.
You’ll Need to Create a New Routine
Creating a new routine is an essential part of life after rehab. Many of your old habits will not be helpful for recovery. You can’t maintain sobriety if you’re neglecting your overall well-being.
A new routine will need to include time for these activities:
- Eating balanced, nutritious meals
- Exercising regularly
- Getting adequate sleep
- Practicing your favorite hobbies
- Spending time with family and friends
- Attending treatment sessions and recovery groups
- Practicing self-care and stress management
You Will Practice Both Physical and Emotional Sobriety
Sobriety is more than just abstaining from alcohol and drugs. You’ll also practice emotional sobriety – feeling your emotions and coping with them in a healthy manner, rather than trying to numb them with substances.
Start Your Recovery Today
If you’re hesitant to enter a rehab program, keep in mind that this journey can be taken one step at a time. Call Rehab After Work at (610) 644-6464, or fill out a contact form on our website to take the first step towards recovery.