What to Expect After Drug Rehab?
According to in-depth research, cocaine and heroin positivity rates initially increased when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. However, these rates have declined since March 13, 2020, whereas methamphetamine and fentanyl rates increase alarmingly fast. It shows the substance abuse has grown over the year, and the pandemic accelerated the speed. More and more people are into drug abuse and overdosing on prescription medicines to deal with the current pressures and stresses. Source: QuitAlcohol.com
Multiple researches highlight that the U.S. is likely experiencing a third and devastating wave of substance use crises. It leads to an increase in drug overdose deaths. To combat these rapidly escalating numbers, people are seeking better and effective drug addiction treatments. However, the journey to recovery is a continuous, ongoing process that never really ends. In some cases, it may take some time for individuals to accept this.
Like any other chronic disease, your drug addiction needs long-term treatment, continuous medications, and repeated therapies to prevent relapse. However, you need favorable environments, peer and family support combined with effective treatment plans to combat your addiction problems.
Completing your rehabilitation program is a challenging yet rewarding process. Plus, it is an accomplishment worth celebrating. But keep in mind that finishing rehab doesn’t mean you’ve recovered fully; staying sober is a lifelong process that requires commitment and ongoing efforts.
Here is a resource guide for parents, to provide insight on the signs and causes of substance abuse, treatment options, and helpful ways to communicate with their children, whether they’re teens or adults. And here we take a closer look at what you need to do after Drug Rehab:
Making Sober Friends
In some cases, addictions are the result of the influence of those surrounding us. Multiple studies on teen drug addictions show that peer pressure can lead to drug use. Thus, teens and young adults who sit in a social circle of pro-drug friends boast a higher likelihood of abusing drugs.
It is also the case for adults. People with friendships built on drugs may find it comparatively harder to share meals, enjoy parties, and interact while staying sober. The temptation may grow and expand. Thus, sober friends are a great way to motivate yourself to continue walking down the path of recovery.
Analyzing Your Neighborhood and Deciding to Move
For most people recovering from addictions and substance disorders, their old neighborhood is packed with reminders of what happened when they were addicted. As a result, they may have to face their drug dealers on a day-to-day basis.
On top of that, street corners, green parks, local bars, and so on may be constant reminders of when they used to get high or drunk. In turn, these memories may trigger an addiction craving.
It, ultimately, may make it harder for your loved one to recover. For some people, their own homes may be full of cues from under the influence. In fact, individuals may return to a house full of drugs. In such cases, the likelihood of them relapsing is high.
Thus, moving to a brand new neighborhood with new places and new opportunities to explore is a great way to promote recovery.
Finding a Support Group
Drug rehab treatment plans often use support groups to motivate people to speak about their experiences. Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are two popular groups that can bring feelings of affirmation and make them feel less lonely.
After rehab comes to an end, you will likely want to skip meetings to hang out with family members and friends. However, keep in mind that support groups can offer pros that informal chats are unable to.
In support groups and group meetings, individuals will continue to grow. Plus, you get the opportunity to connect with people who have gone and are currently going through something similar to your position. These inspirational meetings make it easy for you to say whatever is on your mind; thus, they are an integral part of your recovery.
Continuing to Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Typically drug rehab treatment plans work on a ‘stair-step’ model. In these programs, the care offered becomes less intense with time. In this way, individuals suffering from addictions and SUD learn to handle sobriety without additional help.
It usually means that patients can go to appointments with counselors and therapists independently regardless of whether the program is finished. Continuing therapy after rehab can help people:
- Process feelings regarding work
- Deal with family transitions
- Handle relapse triggers
- Setting goals for the near future
- Strengthening your skills
The journey towards lasting recovery and sobriety requires continual work. Thus, you shouldn’t skip any follow-up appointments. Remember that each appointment plays a vital role in ensuring long-term sobriety.
How to Recognize the Signs of Relapse?
Typically, if someone is relapsing, there are sure signs that you can spot. For example, if your friend or loved one starts reminiscing about the ‘past days,’ it is a sign of potentially relapsing when they abuse drugs or alcohol.
Moreover, if your loved one reconnects with a friend who abuses drugs or goes places associated with their addiction days, you should talk to them. Other signs of your loved one potentially relapsing are as follows:
- Sudden changes in mood, behavior, attitude, and thinking
- Stop attending support group meetings and 12-step groups
- Keeping secrets and hiding things from you
- Losing interest in their hobbies
To Sum it Up
After rehab, your loved one will likely have to attend various meetings on a day-to-day basis. During this time, you must support your loved ones and motivate them to keep pushing forward. Moreover, you must remind them that they need to spend some time growing and taking care of themselves.
With time, your loved one will begin to recover and start mending their relationships, career, hobbies, and so on. If you’re someone living with an individual suffering from SUD, remember that it’s not easy.
Getting your loved one treated will not only be beneficial for them but also for you. Addiction doesn’t affect the addict only but the entire family as you suffer from constant stress, breakdowns, and melting points. So, if you require support through these tough times, consider attending support group meetings or family counseling as well.
SoCal Sunrise Recovery is an organization committed to raising awareness and prevention of addiction within families. They created a resource page to address how addiction affects children, marriage, and family as a whole. This article also provides insight for parents of addicted children and ways loved ones can help.
Further Resources
https://www.michaelshouse.com/drug-rehab/after/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/life-rehab/
https://www.rehabspot.com/family/help-loved-one-after-rehab/