Completing a recovery program brings with it all sorts of mixed emotions. There could be joy in the happiness of actually getting to the end of a program. There could be some anxiety about returning to normal life. This is why, according to the recovery professionals at Impact Recovery Center, an aftercare program is important. Here are 5 tips to keep you going after you leave the recovery center.
1. Change Your Life
According to this study, you must create a life where it is easier not to use substances. This may entail quite a few changes; many of them are only apparent to the person in recovery. Maybe you need a change in friends or a change in your career. Depending on the places and situations where you would use, you might need to completely create a distinction between the lifestyle you had before entering a recovery program. This is the benefit of having an aftercare program that is targeted toward your reintegration into your normal life. Having professionals who provide you with strategies and help you come up with solutions to avoid returning to the same lifestyle can greatly enhance your post-recovery life.
2. Be Honest About What You Need
Because a recovery program is not only targeted towards your substance use disorder, you must endeavor to be honest with the people who support you. Moving from one stage of recovery to the next is the practice of receiving and accepting the specific help you need in that specific stage. If you find yourself requiring greater levels of community support or professional guidance, speaking up about it is the smart thing to do. This move saves you the stress of needing to figure out these complex aspects of life after recovery on your own.
3. Take Care of Your Mind
Many people in recovery also have mental health disorders. Sometimes, the presence of a substance use disorder makes the mental health disorder flare up even more. Completing a recovery program is a major step in addressing your recovery needs, but this progress could be jeopardized if you do not also take care of your mental health. The tips above also apply in this case. Creating structures that positively support your mental health and being honest about your needs, both constant and changing, is paramount for the health of your mind.
4. Take Care of Your Body
It goes without saying that a recovery program can take your body through the wringer. Beyond the effects of detox, it is easy to see why many people might give up due to the effects of these substances on their bodies. However, once the person in recovery has overcome the debilitating effects of detox, they can begin to chart a path to physical wellbeing. This continues even after the recovery program has been completed. Moving your body and finding creative ways to eat good food becomes a priority after completing the program. In this way, you continue to build habits and systems that support your body. You can also begin to build a mindset that takes care of you.
The success of completing a recovery program should be relished. At that point, the person in recovery has come a long way and it is important to recognize that. Maintaining the gains garnered during the recovery program is possible. With these tips and steady action towards a post-recovery life, the aftercare season of your life can be one of peace and complete regeneration.
