Making The Most Of Your Rehab Experience

Following rehab, patients often find themselves with an assortment of hardships and obstacles to overcome. Whether the addiction lies in alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling, patients must utilize the lessons learned in recovery to ensure a happy abstinence in the real world. In this entry, we will offer up a few basic tips to help patients employ their rehabilitation knowledge in a real world setting.

1 – Keep in touch with your rehabilitation counselors. Communicate your post-rehab progress with friends and family members, and request their support. Talking about your recovery triumphs and struggles will help place them into a tangible real-world perspective.

2 – Read up on various materials pertaining to your particular situation. Make a commitment to read, reflect, and write on a daily basis to help your mind reflect on the current state of your recovery.

3 – Become an expert on your condition. Get in touch with other alcoholics who have dealt or are currently dealing with the same situation and discuss your issues to help normalize your current state.

4 – Always be on the lookout for relapse triggers, depression, and codependency following your rehabilitation stay. These life factors will likely show up at some point throughout your recovery. A person who is well informed on these topics will be much better equipped to handle them if and when they arise.

5 – Keep a journal or log of your recovery journey. This living document can be used as a reference if relapse happens to occur, or seems likely. By re-reading your struggles and triumphs, you will gain a better perspective on the progress you have made since your recovery began.

6 – Dive into a hobby, activity, or spiritual practice to help cope with the recovery process. Pick up an instrument, hit the gym, or practice meditation to push your energy in a positive and productive direction. Not only can these types of activities keep you focused; they will also do wonders for your self-esteem!