You have completed rehab, and you’re ready to transition back to the rhythms of everyday life. This progress is certainly a milestone to be celebrated, but it is also a significant challenge. After all, the environment that’s been keeping you safe and focused will soon be replaced by the more unpredictable nature of day-to-day living.
Research shows that relapses most often occur within six months after leaving a treatment centre. But here’s the good news: with a thoughtful plan and a solid support network, you can set yourself up for success. Camino Recovery is here to help you jump into “real life” with confidence.
Preparing for the transition
Adjusting to life outside of rehab is more than just packing your bags and heading home. Both emotional and practical shifts occur, and planning for these changes can make all the difference.
Here are a few strategies:
Build a daily routine
It may be a simple concept, but it’s so effective, and that is routine. Maintaining the stability in your routine that you learned in rehab will create a sense of normalcy. Planning your day ahead of time can help you feel more grounded and less likely to make impulsive decisions. Include time for work or hobbies, self-care, exercise, and relaxation.
Know your triggers
In rehab, you have probably started to notice what situations, emotions, or even people make you feel vulnerable. Before you leave, take time to understand your triggers. Triggers are unique to each person, but some common ones are stress from work, visiting certain places, or feelings like loneliness or anger.
Know how you will cope with triggers
Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan for tackling them. Coping strategies will vary from person to person, but some common ones include deep breathing exercises, calling a supportive friend, or practising mindfulness. Whatever techniques work best for you, make sure they are easily within reach for when you need them.
For more ways to prepare for life after rehab, our relapse prevention page offers more in-depth strategies and tips to help you stay strong.
Why you can’t do this alone: The power of a support network
Addiction is incredibly isolating, and recovery should not be. No one should face recovery alone, which is why a strong support system matters so much.
But what exactly does that look like?
Essentially, a strong support system is a circle of people who care about you and are committed to helping you stay on track. This could include family members, close friends, peers from recovery groups, and therapists.
Support systems are important because they keep you accountable. Your circle will genuinely care about you, check in with you, ask how you’re doing, and encourage you to stay on course.
A good support system offers emotional strength. Recovery is full of ups and downs, and having people to lean on during tough times is lifesaving.
Support comes from different places
Family and friends: Your loved ones can be your biggest cheerleaders if they know how to support you. In recovery, you must communicate your needs clearly to your loved ones and set healthy boundaries so these relationships will remain healthy. Recovery can strain relationships, so prepare yourself for authentic conversations and if needed, family therapy.
Recovery groups: Many people in recovery join recovery groups and gain a strong sense of community. Recovery groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or other peer-support organisations, can be so valuable. Knowing there are people out there who understand you makes the biggest difference.
Professional therapists: Don’t underestimate the power of professional therapists who can help you see what you don’t. Professional therapists are trained to help clients navigate complex emotions and challenges that come with post-rehab life. These professionals help you design coping mechanisms specific to your needs.
Tips for building a support network
Here are some additional tips for creating a strong support circle in recovery:
- Be picky and intentional about who you include. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you and motivate you.
- Commit to attending regular support meetings, whether they are in person or online.
- Be willing to be honest and share about how you’re doing, even if, especially if, you’re not doing well.
- Get involved in sober social activities like fitness classes, art classes, or outdoor group excursions.
- Use online resources by exploring online recovery forums, online support groups, recovery blogs, or social media communities that are dedicated to sobriety.
- Be a source of support for others. Remember that support networks work both ways.
Camino’s article “How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Recovery” gives more practical advice on how exactly to set boundaries—a huge aspect of maintaining a strong support network.
Therapy, aftercare, and staying on track
What so many people don’t realise is that the hard work begins after you leave rehab. Certainly, you have worked hard while at a treatment centre, but when you step out of the doors, your real work toward recovery begins. Think of it as the ongoing maintenance that you need for your mental and emotional health. Research studies continuously highlight the importance of continuing care in recovery.
This could take several forms:
- Individual counselling: One-on-one therapy sessions give a safe space to dig deep into your life’s pains and patterns. Being able to identify the underlying causes of addiction and work through struggles is a goal in individual counselling.
- Group therapy: Being part of a group therapy session gives you fresh perspective and the feeling of not being alone. It’s a place to learn from others who understand the struggles you face. It’s a place to find encouragement and accountability.
- Holistic practices: Other holistic practices like yoga and meditation are increasingly recognized for their benefits in recovery. These practices can help reduce stress and promote a sense of peace. If you’re interested in incorporating holistic practices into your recovery, our Holistic & Wellness Programme is a fantastic resource.
Creating a personalised aftercare plan before you leave rehab is also critical. What worked for someone else may not work for you, so be honest with yourself about your own needs and situations. Your aftercare plan should be specifically tailored to you to ensure that it will work. Camino Recovery offers resources like our Family Programme, which supports international families and encourages healing together.
Building a life you love in recovery
Removing substances is only the beginning in recovery. The work begins when you build a life that feels full and meaningful. This often means making some practical lifestyle changes that reinforce your commitment to sobriety.
- Find sober hobbies: Think about things you have always wanted to try but never did because your addiction held you back. Hobbies like painting, cooking, learning an instrument, or hiking are a great start. Finding sober holidays will give you something to look forward to and a way to fill your time constructively.
- Prioritise your physical and mental health: Taking care of your body and mind are your new recovery goals. What does this look like?
- Exercise: regular physical exercise boosts your mind and increases your energy. There are endless research studies about how exercise helps your overall physical and mental health. Spain’s beautiful climate offers plenty of opportunities for walking along the coast or biking through nature trails.
- Balanced nutrition: Eating well fuels both your body and your mind. Focus on a diet rich in whole foods and avoid as many processed foods as you can. Consider meal prepping to make healthy choices easier.
- Mindfulness practices: Meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises can help you stay centred. These are great tools for recovery and you can do them anywhere. Mindfulness practices can also help manage anxiety and cravings.
Also, remember that setbacks are part of the recovery journey. They do not mean your recovery is over. If you slip or relapse, it’s not the end. Our article, “Life After Relapse: How to Start Over…Again” gives practical advice on how to reclaim and rebuild after relapse.
Your journey continues…
Recovery doesn’t end after leaving rehab. It has barely started at that point. It’s important to remember that recovery isn’t a destination where one day you reach it and say “I have arrived.” Instead, it’s a lifelong commitment to yourself of growth and healing.
Surround yourself with those who lift you up. Commit to ongoing progress. Find meaningful ways to spend your time. Above all, remember that you are not alone. At Camino Recovery, we are here to support you 100%. Our programs are designed to help you thrive.
Explore our resources and let us be part of your continued journey. Recovery is worth it, and we are here for you.
