Life after rehab does not mean a lifetime recovery. When addiction begins to strain the brain, it leaves a lasting impact that requires a person to manage their lifestyle to prevent circumstances that can trigger a relapse. This is the reason why overcoming addiction is considered a lifelong process.
Statistics show that 85% of individuals who go into treatment experience relapse within a year after. Men are found to be more prone to relapse than women. It is important to understand that relapse does not indicate that treatment was ineffective. It is simply a call to review which part of the treatment needs to be reinforced to yield a better outcome.
What Is Expected When Leaving Rehab
Leaving rehab means a person must begin to take charge of their schedule and routine and deal with their daily struggles independently. A newfound life after rehab must be filled with self-care since any neglect in pursuing a healthy lifestyle can cause the consequence of returning to substance use.
A few months after leaving rehab is the challenging phase of transition. This phase can last up to a year or two. In this timeframe, no one is ever completely prepared for what is about to happen next. The challenges that await are unknown, however; negative outcomes can be prevented with the right aftercare treatment plan designed altogether with professional help.
Two things can be expected when leaving rehab. First, a person’s emotions can be unstable. A mixture of excitement and blues may occur from time to time. And that is normal. The best thing is to think about how to pick up oneself in case negative feelings begin to heighten.
Second, temptations for substance use can persist. It helps to avoid places, people, and situations that can be associated with the history of one’s substance use. These things can trigger thoughts of substance use, and these thoughts continue to linger in my mind until the decision to give it a single try happens. This will be the start of a new cycle of addiction.
Why Does Relapse Happen?
Relapse can happen anytime. Even after a long period of sobriety, a person can still suffer from relapse. But by understanding this reality, preventive measures can be strongly reinforced. Here are the reasons why relapse potentially occurs.
Stress and distress
Being in a stressful situation is a vulnerable point for those who have a history of substance addiction. The pressure can be overwhelming and this is when thoughts of finding relief through drug use become so tempting. The same thing works when a person suffers from distress. Grief and loss are some of the inevitable causes of major distress.
Memories of drug use
The senses can be easily triggered by substance use. People, places, objects, and even a single scent throwback memories of drug use. If this persists, eventually a person will find a way to return to the old vice. Oftentimes, it works better to avoid occasions of encountering these triggers than attempt to overcome them.
Celebrations
Celebrations typically gather people with food and drinks as well as loud music. Being exposed to a hyped-up environment can cause trigger relapse, especially when a person resorts to taking a shot of alcohol. Anything that intoxicates the body makes one vulnerable to relapse.
Neglected discharge plan
The discharge plan is an important aspect of sustained recovery. The lack of adherence to this plan prompts future danger. It is also likely that one can get so proud of surpassing treatment that they brush off the notion that they can still be vulnerable to relapse. This reality is never helpful for anyone with a history of addiction.
What are the Things You Can Do After Rehab to Prevent Relapse
Preventing relapse is a major goal after leaving rehab. There are health risks that also happen when relapse occurs. Withdrawal resets are never healthy for anyone which is why it is important to be serious about the steps in obtaining this goal. The following are some of the key points to keep in mind to prevent occasions of relapse.
Self-care
Self-care is necessary for a person’s physical and psychological disposition. By keeping a healthy diet and engaging in physical exercises, the body is trained to not be easily defeated by any type of stress. Science has proven how normal levels of neurotransmitters are boosted in the brain, making a person in a more positive state.
Mindfulness
Awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions is what defines mindfulness. This is important so that when things turn off, a person will know that the next thing to do is to seek help. Practices for mindfulness include yoga exercises, writing a journal, and meditation. Mindfulness brings peace and clarity of thought that manifests positively into behavior.
Continuing therapy
Scheduled visits to one’s therapists when necessary is helpful. It has even become more accessible with the introduction of teletherapy, an online meeting with a therapist. Active engagement in support groups is also another form of therapy that is highly essential. The good thing is it comes without any cost.
New hobbies
New hobbies are meaningful experiences that help heal the strain caused by substance intoxication in the brain. Science has proven how spending time on purposeful activities such as that which develops new skills and sparks new interests contributes to mental health and overall wellness.
Get Help Today
Completing your Valium Rehab is not a guarantee that you won’t go back to your old self, why? If you’ll get exposed to the same environment that leads you to addiction, then relapse is going to happen. This means continuing support after rehab must be top of your mind.
Continued support for your well-being is necessary since you’ll be exposed to many triggers. Having a scheduled visit to a therapist or doctor will help you stay on track. You can also attend group therapies near your residence, so you’ll get motivated in maintaining sobriety.
Should you need a recovery specialist to talk to, you can contact us today. We can help you prepare for your aftercare services.