Rehab is wonderful and life-changing, but it isn’t always easy to adjust to normal life afterward. A lot of things about your life will have to change.
There are some ways you can prepare for life after rehab. It’s best to familiarize yourself with these things before you start your program. Or, if you have a loved one who is in a program, to familiarize yourself with them now.
Here are some things to consider about life after an IOP program.
1.Improved Health
To start with the positive things, your health will be better!
Addiction and abuse place a huge toll on your body. It’s hard for your body to stay healthy when you’re struggling with addiction.
Once you’ve detoxed and been sober, your health will gradually start to improve. It will take a while to start feeling like your old self, though.
It’s normal to feel strange or sick after finishing a rehab program. After all, during rehab, you have a different diet and lifestyle than you do at home. That’s why an IOP rehab program is worth considering.
IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. Unlike traditional rehab programs, an IOP allows you to stay home during treatment.
You will probably visit the rehab center every day or every other day for several hours. You will probably still need to take time off of work.
IOP programs are more flexible.
2.Staying Sober
Achieving sobriety is a great accomplishment.
However, staying sober is not as easy at home as it is during rehab. One of the many benefits of an IOP is that it’s easier to stay sober after rehab because you are already at home.
For more information on IOP programs, read this article. Many people don’t know that IOP programs are an option, which is a shame.
Even if you choose an IOP program, there will be adjustments once the program is finished. You won’t have someone checking back in with you every single day. You have to take more initiative.
See if a family member or a friend can stay with you for a little while. They can help you keep on track and encourage you to stay sober.
If no one can stay with you, pick someone you can call when you’re tempted to drink. Or just ask someone to call you every night.
The most important thing is to stick to your routine and goals.
3.New Social Skills
Your life will change socially after you become sober.
In some cases, you might have to change friends. You’ll definitely have to find new activities. Avoid going to the bar, especially when newly sober.
The plus side is that you’ll be more yourself. It will be easier to interact with people than before. You don’t have to try and hide your addiction.
During rehab, you learn a lot about yourself. You also learn a lot about psychology and relationships. This will make you more aware of what other people are going through and how you can help.
Eventually, you might be able to help other addicts recover. However, in the beginning it is best to concentrate on your own recovery.
Be honest with people about what’s going on.
4.Deepened Friendships
You might make friends for life during your program.
Afterward, you’ll probably start attending AA meetings or some form of group therapy. This is a great way to meet friends who have similar goals.
You’ll also find that your existing friendships have deepened. The friends who help you through addiction are the ones who will stay for the rest of your life.
Finding sober activities can be hard at the beginning. Consider hosting a classic game night with some of the board games from this list.
Or head outside and enjoy the fresh air. Hiking and cycling are great ways to meet new people and have fun with friends.
5.New Life
When you finish rehab, you’ll feel like a new version of yourself.
That’s because your body is completely different. Every single day, your body destroys and creates new cells.
It usually takes three days to have completely new cells. After rehab, your body will be different on a molecular level. You’ll feel this in many ways.
Use this opportunity to start fresh. In the beginning, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by all of the things you can now enjoy.
Take advantage of this excitement and enjoy life.
Conclusion
Making it through rehab is something to be proud of. Keep up the good work and focus on being a better version of yourself.
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