Entering rehab can be a little scary, and leaving it once you have done all the hard work can also be overwhelming. Now that you’ve made it through rehab, what’s next? How do you continue your recovery journey? There are life skills and specific strategies that can help you maintain lifelong sobriety. A well-developed continuing care plan in conjunction with a high-quality aftercare program can play an important role in helping you continue on the path of sober living.
Addiction is a chronic disease that does not end just because its most debilitating symptoms have been treated. Just as you would return to your physician to manage your diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, an aftercare program will offer you the support you need. At New Bridge Foundation®, conveniently located in Northern California, our team of experts will help you develop an individualized continuing care plan that includes the right aftercare program. Reach out today at 866.772.8491 and take your first steps on the road to recovery.
5 Tips for Maintaining Sobriety
There are several strategies and skills that help people in recovery. Some helpful tips for managing your sobriety after rehab include:
- Set achievable daily goals for yourself. This may include connecting with a supportive friend, doing a healthy workout routine, or logging enough hours of sleep.
- Find a support group. Be sure that you have a place to go when you are worried about your sobriety, need a little support in your journey, or need a friendly place to decompress. Never underestimate the power of other people who personally understand your lived experience.
- Create a schedule. Setting up a schedule is a great way to set reminders for yourself and track your progress. Use a schedule to avoid boredom (too little to keep you busy) and stress (overwhelming or anxiety-producing work or life commitments).
- Engage in sober relationships. It can be challenging to disengage with friends you made while using, but actively engaging with people you know will have your back is an important part of sober living.
- Understand your triggers. As important as understanding your triggers, learn to avoid them. Whether it’s places, situations, or activities, if they put you at risk of relapse, steer clear.
Sober Living After Rehab
While in treatment, it may not seem possible to imagine a life after rehab. Your addiction treatment program, the beginning of the recovery process, has provided you with the foundation you need for staying sober. However, living life as a sober person requires a well-thought-out plan that when followed will keep you on the path of recovery. The plan should include relapse prevention strategies, self-help groups, medication and therapy if needed, supportive people, and self-care techniques, to name a few. It can be helpful to remind yourself each day why you want to be sober, why you are committed to recovery, and why you are grateful.
Additionally, a professional post-rehab aftercare program is a great help in transitioning to life after rehab, and at New Bridge Foundation®, we offer free aftercare for life.
Learn More About New Bridge Foundation® in California
Continued treatment for addiction after rehab increases your chances of maintaining sobriety. At New Bridge Foundation®, clients participate in weekly group meetings as well as sober events and activities. Learning from one another and having a community of supportive professionals and peers will enhance and underscore your own successful recovery.
With over fifty years of experience, our addiction experts are well-versed in the many treatment options to begin the process of recovery and to hold your hand as you walk the lifelong journey of sobriety. If you or a loved one needs help with drug or alcohol addiction reach out today at 866.772.8491 to get your life back on track and start living the life you want.
