When dependency has been successfully stopped through an alcohol and drug recovery program, previously dependent individuals take the first steps in the journey of their new, sober lives. This transitional period can be a pivotal time for recovered individuals, positioning them for success in sober living and achievement of a rewarding future. However, many newly recovered individuals do not take the time to prepare for a smooth transition period, often to the detriment of their sobriety.
Five Common Transitional Pitfalls to Avoid
As you begin to embark on a sober lifestyle, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid during the transitional period as you move into a lifetime of sober, healthy living.
- Lack of Planning
One important component of alcohol and drug recovery programs is After Care. Even when we have achieved deep levels of healing, past habits and environmental cues can create a pull back into behaviors and attitudes that have not served us well. By meeting with an After Care specialist, you can begin to strategies your transitional period, to ensure your physical and emotional needs will be met. You can also elect to have a sober coach accompany, guide or “shadow” you during the transitional period, to help ease the burden surrounding any changes you need to make. - Unprepared Environment
Our environments set the tone for our attitudes and approaches to daily life. Coming home from a recovery program to a cluttered, messy or triggering environment can be disheartening at best, and compromising at worst. Make sure that you have made arrangements to alter your living environment to remove triggers and create a sense of harmony, order and peace. - Triggering Situations
Because you have achieved a real, lasting end of your dependency, you have no need to associate with people or places that center around drug or alcohol use. Reentering environments such as raves, cocktail parties, or time spent with friends who are still using will activate of old behaviors and coping mechanisms. During the transitional period, it’s important to mindfully approach each situation and opportunity, and to actively seek out environments that will nurture your sense of empowerment and self. - Denying Self-Care
Many people become so motivated during the transitional period that they forget to slow down and take care of themselves. In your bustling return to a sober life, don’t forget to block out time for yourself. Spend time exercising, reading, relaxing, and meditating. Treat yourself to everyday indulgences and time dedicated to pleasure. Burning yourself out in an attempt to overachieve will only leave you at a deficit later. - Self-Defeating Thought Patterns
During the transitional period after alcohol or drug recovery, mindfulness of your thought processes can be vital. As you encounter challenges, your inner critic may try to convince you that you cannot remain sober, or remind you of the shame you associate with your past. Remember, dependency was simply a result of an untreated root cause within your mind or body that you have treated through holistic recovery.
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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