The decision to enter treatment is one of the most challenging decisions you or a loved one will make. However, you may find it just as overwhelming upon leaving treatment and entering into the unknown. Treatment offers daily structure and a supportive community. Your new life of sobriety might feel lonely and isolating in comparison. Here are several ways to lessen the uncertainty:
Develop a continuing care plan that allows you to prepare for future challenges.
Studies show that only 20% of those who have completed a residential treatment program will remain sober for an entire year. Because of this, it is crucial to develop a continuing care plan during treatment so you can anticipate future challenges that might come your way. Treatment programs often appoint a professional who can help you evaluate and establish a plan based on your specific needs. Aftercare planning provides practical resources to cope with triggers or stressors that may arise upon leaving.
Consider a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Some patients might not be ready to completely immerse themselves back into their daily lives. Entering a PHP or IOP can be beneficial. Residents in a PHP or IOP develop effective coping skills for everyday life and learn how to form and maintain healthy relationships. Entering a PHP or IOP can help you nurture growth, provide essential life skills, and form a sense of community, all aspects that are greatly beneficial in building a foundation for sobriety.
Alumni programs provide tools and support to help you cope with your addiction.
Ongoing support and accountability are essential to long-lasting sobriety. Surrounding yourself with a support system that you trust is imperative not only during those first few months but long after leaving treatment. Many treatment centers offer an alumni program that will allow you to stay connected with those who are walking on similar paths of life. Alumni programs often hold alumni events and provide continued support through social media channels, smartphone apps, emails, and message boards. Alumni programs will also offer personal support as long as you need. Staying connected within your alumni program can help you ensure you’ll have continued support long after leaving treatment.
Recovery from a substance use disorder is an ongoing journey. Although this can seem overwhelming, understanding the resources and support available to you and your loved ones makes the thought of leaving seem less daunting and sets all of you up for an even greater chance of a long-lasting sobriety.
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 866-952-5532.
