There are several misconceptions about rehab, which makes it difficult for a person to get into the treatment program. But once they do, they overcome the obsessive and compulsive cycle of addiction. The rehab clinics arrange everything from a structured schedule, group therapy sessions, and individual counselling to recreational activities for addicts to leave their past behaviours and stay more engrossed in other activities. However, recovery doesn’t end after treatment.
People who face life after rehab may experience diverse emotions. For example, they may be excited to live substance-free but fear a relapse after their treatment ends at a rehab clinic. And the process is complex. Adjusting to your old life with new habits can overwhelm you without the constant support of your counsellors and peers. Therefore, you need to create an aftercare plan after rehab to figure out what you need to do to stay sober. The aftercare plan may consist of local support groups in the community, a few lifestyle changes, and support services provided by the luxury rehab you have been a part of.
This article will explain what you can expect after completing treatment in a rehab clinic in the UK and how to cope.
Support Services for Addiction Recovery after Rehab
There are various aftercare services that an individual will have at their disposal, and they can choose anyone that suits them. Most people benefit by attending the following aftercare services:
Sober Living
One of the significant issues that people face after rehab is the lack of a stable, sober, and supportive environment. Coming in contact with triggering situations yet again makes it challenging for them to maintain sobriety. In addition, this unstable environment can put them at a high risk of relapse. Hence, if you do not have a stable environment around you or don’t feel confident in your own home when it comes to staying sober, you can always join a sober living home after rehab.
Sober living homes are temporary houses made for individuals in recovery. They are drug and alcohol-free residencies created for maintaining recovery after rehab. In this housing, you will live among other sober people, be subjected to random drug testing and alcohol checks, and are expected to follow all house rules.
12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings or 12-step fellowships are popular support groups started by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to help people in recovery. These fellowships allow a person to believe in a higher power and ask for peer support to stay sober. Altogether a spiritual approach, the 12-step fellowship encourages you to attend regular meetings, work with a sponsor, and follow all 12 steps sincerely. These steps will help you repair your broken relationships with yourself, others, and a power greater than you and help sustain sobriety. The 12-step groups also provide immense support throughout your recovery and after rehab as well.
Alumni Support
Alumni are former students who have either attended or completed a course or treatment in the same fashion from the same institution. Most rehab clinics in the UK have a flourishing alumni community that brings together people from different stages of recovery and are ground-breaking initiatives taken by the treatment centres. These programs often include get-togethers, support groups, 12-step meetings, and team-building activities. When an individual struggling with after-rehab sobriety gets involved with the treatment centre’s alumni support, they will develop sober relationships, find peers, and become a part of something bigger than their addiction.
Individual Counselling
Though every person who goes to rehab has been a part of the counselling session, many people continue to take these sessions after addiction treatment because healing is an ongoing journey. Throughout the recovery, an individual can experience unexpected triggers, memories, and challenges, and counselling helps them to overcome those obstacles. Also, continuous therapeutic support reduces the chances of relapse.
Recovery Coaching
Most rehab clinics have recovery coaches who can guide you through early life in recovery. Slightly different from doctors and therapists, recovery coaches teach you everything associated with addiction and recovery. They can help you:
- Come up with a daily structured schedule
- Get tips and advice for a sober life
- Hold yourself accountable for your recovery
- Find 12-step fellowships
- Connect with a local support community
- Answer any questions you have about recovery
- Find ways to cope with triggering situations and substance cravings
Common Obstacles People Face in Early Recovery After Rehab
Returning to your old life after addiction treatment at a rehab clinic can be pretty challenging. And why not? Recovery changes everything from your routines and habits to interests and hobbies. And applying these changes while you are navigating life in sobriety can be confusing, stressful, and may overwhelm you. A few of these challenges you may face after rehab are:
- Finding a New Job
- Dealing with Legal Repercussions
- Navigating Personal Relationships
- Overcoming Shame and Guilt
- Building a Sober Support System
- Getting a Sponsor
- Managing the Finances
- Coping with Cravings and Triggers
Lifestyle Changes to Make to Stay Sober After Rehab
While the aftercare support services, as mentioned earlier, can help you overcome the obstacles you face, the necessary lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. A few lifestyle changes that can reduce stress, the risk of depression and anxiety, and prevent relapse are as follows:
- Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet
- Avoid triggering places, people, and things
- Include workouts in your routine
- Attend regular support group meetings
- Balance your sleep cycle
- Don’t isolate yourself
- Stay connected with your loved ones
- Celebrate milestones in recovery
- Write down your thoughts and feelings
- Actively practice the coping skills learned in a rehab clinic
Start Your Recovery Today
In a recovery path, everyone follows their own set of rules. While some people successfully overcome their addiction by attending treatment programs at a rehab clinic and live a sober life afterwards, others need added support to maintain sobriety even after completing rehab. In addition, there are many challenges that an individual can face after rehab, such as finding a new job, adjusting to a new life, developing healthy habits, and remaining sober around triggering situations. Hence, aftercare services provided at rehab clinics in the UK can help you stay on track. Go to your nearest luxury rehab today to enquire more about aftercare support services if your treatment centre doesn’t provide one.