5 Ways to Maintain a Drug-Free Lifestyle After Rehab

The process of recovering from drug addiction takes hard work, dedication and patience. As the former addict returns to life as a sober individual, he or she faces myriad challenges. From repairing broken relationships to re-entering the workforce, the post-rehabilitation phase can be a stressful time. The newly sober individual can benefit from the tools gained during the rehabilitation process and is often equipped with a new, positive outlook. After rehabilitation, there are five ways individuals can support their drug-free lifestyle and continue on the path to greater health and fulfillment.

Maintain a Routine

Establishing positive and healthy habits is an essential part of the recovery process. Addictions involve negative habits that can hurt a person’s life and health. Replacing these negative habits with positive habits is at the core of most inpatient treatment programs. To do this, the person in recovery must develop a routine based around healthy and productive activities. A daily routine also includes set times for waking up, sleeping and eating. Getting into a drug-free routine involves scheduling consistent activities such as exercise, counseling sessions and time to work on career goals. Scheduling daily time to enjoy inspiring books and other recovery-related recommended reading can also help to anchor a positive routine. A daily routine can also include things like calling friends or family for support or meditating. Post-rehabilitation, individuals must work harder to maintain a routine. Without an inpatient program’s structure, many recovering addicts struggle to create a routine supportive of their long-term quest for sobriety. By sticking to a schedule and maintaining healthy routines, long-term success is more likely. If you do have the ability to check in to an inpatient treatment center for a longer period of time, the staff will help you establish a positive day to day routine that will help you stay active and sober. Individuals who get the help they need are more successful than those who just go through the motions.

Update Plans and Goals Weekly

The road to sobriety requires many adjustments as the former addict enters the “real world.” Outside of the context of a drug rehabilitation program, the recovering addict must face many of his former temptations as well as the stresses and anxieties of dealing with relationships and work. By reviewing plans and goals weekly, the recovering addict can manage his time wisely and continue to make reasonable goals. The key is to take small, successful steps on a daily basis. The adage that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” applies in this case. It takes time, patience and courage to stay on the path to lasting sobriety.

Celebrate Accomplishments

When recovering from addiction, small accomplishments are important. Every step toward a drug-free lifestyle is a step in the right direction. The former addict should celebrate his accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Even just oneday of sobriety takes hard work and devotion. An individual can celebrate his accomplishments by giving himself a small “gift” for every day of sobriety. The “gift” can be something simple, like a favorite magazine or even the occasional ice cream. Accomplishments can also be celebrated by positive self-talk and cultivating an awareness that every day is important on the road to recovery.

Stay Inspired

The process of recovering from substance addiction takes perspiration and inspiration. The “perspiration” refers to the consistent hard work of maintaining healthy habits. The inspiration can come from many sources. Many recovering addicts enjoy reading inspirational books as part of their journey to sobriety. Anything with a positive message or related to recovery is a good place to start. Some people find inspiration in their personal spiritual practice or from a daily routine, like taking a short walk in nature.

Keep Active

Exercise has been shown repeatedly to positively influence many aspects of life and health. From physical health to emotional and mental well-being, exercise promotes positive change. The physical benefits of exercise include detoxification, improved strength and cardiovascular health. The mental benefits of exercise include improvements in concentration, focus and a positive attitude. Because exercise also decreases the incidence of depression, it is especially helpful for those who have recovered from substance addiction and are prone to episodes of depression. By staying active, former addicts can schedule positive activities into their day, and become stronger in their minds and bodies.

About the Author:

Felicia Adams is a freelance writer as well as a drug counselor.