After treatment, recovered individuals head back to their home environment. For some, this transition can be anxiety producing, as previously dependent individuals may worry about stepping into a new life of sobriety. While these worries are natural, they are not cause for alarm. Once the body has recovered from physiological dependency, and the root emotional causes have been addressed, the transitional period can become one of comfort, encouragement and progress.
Common Concerns During Transition After Recovery
We’ve gathered a few common concerns and questions about the transition process that follows drug and alcohol treatment, as well as reassurances you can take as you embark on this exciting time of growth.
- How Can I Protect My Health?
Seek out a doctor who believes that drug and alcohol dependency can be cured, and who will seek the best for your body and mind, without discouraging or overmedicating you. Begin an exercise regime, to boost natural endorphins and energy levels. Create a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, taking supplements to help restore your body back to its natural state of homeostasis. - How Will My Family Life Change?
During the transition process after recovery, family life will adjust—for the better. Over time, you will find that your communication within the family unit becomes clearer and more open, with less avoidance and more ability to address and solve problems. You will also find that after therapy-rich recovery, you embrace higher levels of responsibility, find better coping skills for conflict, and experience less tension and resentment. - What If I Relapse?
If recovery has been successful, you needn’t worry about relapse. During recovery, you have addressed the root cause that led you to use or drink in the first place. Effective programs will have low relapse rates, and if relapse occurs, remember it is only an indicator that the root problem has not yet been addressed or healed fully. - How Should I Deal With Social Situations?
One important issue during transition is to reassess your relationships. Exit any dangerous environments, and weed out so-called friends who trigger you or still drink or use. Seek out friends who are positive and supportive of your recovery. Overall, you will find that successful treatment will lead you to a better quality of social interactions, enabling you to approach people with greater self-confidence, relying on yourself instead of others’ approval. - How Will I Cope With a Crisis?
Life will never be free of challenges, but you can change your approach in order to transform them into opportunities. Seek out a therapist, support system of family and friends, or even a sober coach to help encourage and guide you through the transitional process. Learn meditation and relaxation techniques to help lower anxiety, and treat each challenge as an opportunity brought into your capable hands by the Universe itself. - Can I Resume My Career?
Because you have been cured of alcohol or drug dependency, there is no reason you cannot return to your previous career. You will find yourself with a better skill set for dealing with work stress, helping you create a balanced, healthy sober life. Make sure to speak with your Human Resources department if need be, and keep records of any necessary documentation surrounding your recovery in relation to your job. You will find that your sober lifestyle offers you increased focus, greater job security and upward mobility, and far more productivity than dependency offered.
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Center today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by dialing our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
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