The road to recovery is different for every individual, and completing a drug treatment program is just one of the many steps to getting there. If you or a loved one is currently battling drug addiction, you know that this road is not an easy one to ride out. There are unexpected bumps, turns, and constant obstructions that persist along the way. The mission lies in how you will overcome them. A long-term treatment program, such as Turnbridge, can show you how to cope with these obstacles. You can continue to move forward, and we will help you in getting there.
After leaving rehabilitation, a recovering individual will often re-enter life with a newfound confidence. The learned lessons are still fresh, the healthy habits are now implemented, sober relationships are well established, and the future has become of utmost priority. In order to maintain long-term sobriety, all of these gained skill sets (social, physical, and emotional) must now be anchored.
If your goal is to maintain sobriety beyond rehab, it is important you continue a structured living experience upon leaving your treatment program. These tips can help in your transition:
1. Establish sober networks: One of the primary, most undeniable, benefits of a long-term drug rehab is the foundation of each long-term relationship built while there. It is these connections that are often the most fulfilling. Every individual in recovery has a different addiction story, a different upbringing, different interests—yet at the same time, they are all there for the same reason. They reach for each day with the same goal in mind: to make a positive change in their lives, and to continue to stay sober.
If you are currently in recovery, remember that you never have to go through this alone. A successful recovery, after all, is reliant on a solid support system, and seeking out new friends and positive influences in your life is a huge step to building it. The people around you, sitting in your twelve-step program or living in your sober dorm, all uphold similar life goals. They understand your struggle, and unlike your past drug-using buddies, will not let you fall. They will support you in every single effort you make to maintain sobriety, and you can do the same for them. That, perhaps, is why many of the clients at Turnbridge go on to live with one another post-treatment.
2. Set goals to work towards: The opportunities are abounding: this is a new chapter and you are in complete control of how it pans out. Examine your life now, your readiness, and your potential to reach success. How do you define this success? What do you want to accomplish now, and in the future?
Having goals in mind helps propel us forward. Goals inspire. They help us develop a plan, and give us something to work for. In a sense, they actually give us purpose, and show that there is meaning to each of our lives.
Perhaps you are trying to rebuild burned bridges, and mend any relationships you may have lost to addiction. Maybe you have dreams of going to college, pursuing a successful career, or traveling the world. Goals can be big or small, but their existence motivates us live life to its fullest potential. They give us pride in what we’ve done, and drive to do something more.
3. Take care of yourself- mind and body: A crucial asset to a successful, sober lifestyle is being able to respect your self inside and out, and further exhibit this through activities that are both mentally and physically advantageous.
Drug addiction takes a major toll on the human body. Overuse of stimulants, for example, can lead to weight loss and an imbalance of a person’s overall nourishment. Alcoholism can contribute to anemia, and opiate addiction can cause malnutrition. Fortunately, healthy and sober living habits can help repair these damages caused by drug use.
Exercise is one way of doing so. Engaging the body in physical activity promotes the release of any residual toxins from the body. It also improves sleep, energy levels, and relief from the withdrawal symptoms that can accompany addiction, such as depression. Most of all, exercise allows our bodies to release endorphins, while help build connections within the brain and ultimately boost positivity in our minds. Recovery becomes obtainable.
Phase III clients at Turnbridge experience healthy, independent living habits first hand during their final stretch of treatment. At their own discretion, they are able to fully incorporate exercise and nutrition into their daily routines. They shop for their own groceries, cook their own meals, create a weekly gym regimen, and participate in shared recreational activities. They still meet regularly with a therapist, as well as with their 12-step sponsor. By this final phase, each client has regained responsibility and control back on their decisions. They understand that healthy living habits can provide alternate solutions to drugs, and ultimately prevent relapse. By managing their own schedules, Turnbridge clients can smoothly transition from residential living to independent sober living, and take the world on once again. And so can you.
Call Turnbridge at 877-581-1793 for more information.