When an addict first enters a residential drug treatment program, they may be unsettled by the rules and strict structure that the facility applies to their patients. However, as they adapt to this new situation, they become accustomed to the rules and find comfort in that strict structure because it helps them pursue their recovery with fewer distractions. As their inpatient care in a long-term drug treatment program comes close to ending, it’s common for recovering addicts to fear their release into regular society. They fear they won’t be able to stay clean in the real world, where the support structure is far less strict. Recovering addicts also worry that they will be left alone to continue their recovery without any help. This is far from the truth and, although there will be fewer rules regulating their behavior, they can create the structure in their lives that they need for themselves. They can also get the help they need to avoid relapses from the resources in their own communities. In truth, recovering addicts are never left alone without access to help as long as they’re willing to seek out the help they need.
As soon as you leave a drug treatment facility, you’ll have the option of getting support similar to that which you received in the treatment facility. This is possible through taking up residence in a halfway house or sober living community. While these living facilities aren’t as strict as a treatment center, they do maintain rules that regulate your activity. They’re typically managed by the same company that runs the drug treatment center, so there’s a manager on site to ensure the rules are followed. This is helpful in ensuring drugs and alcohol are kept off of the property and making sure the people who live there are staying clean and sober. The majority of halfway houses provide temporary living situations for recovering addicts who need time to save up for their own apartment or arrange other living situations. You may also find sober living communities that provide more long-term accommodations if you feel you need the rules to help you avoid relapsing.
Community Resources Will Help in Continuing Your Recovery
While participating in a long-term drug rehab treatment program, you will have been included in group therapy sessions. The support you receive from other recovering addicts will help you stay clean in a number of different ways, making it an indispensable tool in encouraging clean living. While you can’t meet with that same group after leaving the rehab facility, there are plenty of addiction recovery groups that meet in your community. If you have trouble finding them, contact your local parish priest. Churches often host support groups to ensure recovering addicts have a safe place to meet. You can also find support groups by searching social media sites for them or by doing a general online search. If you still have trouble finding an established support group in your area, try forming one of your own. If support groups are hard to find, there may be other recovering addicts interested in joining your new group.
An important part of addiction recovery is receiving treatment for any mental health problems you may be experiencing. Without addressing these issues, you may relapse out of a need to self-medicate. The therapist you see in the facility may continue seeing you after you complete your addiction treatment if they have a private practice in your community. Otherwise, they will likely refer you to another therapist who has the experience in treating your mental health conditions. Often, emotional health problems require years of therapy to address and resolve, so it is important to continue therapy after you leave the treatment facility. Even though it may take time to adjust to a new therapist, that’s better than forgoing your need for treatment and raising your risks of a relapse. If you can’t afford to continue seeing a therapist in private practice, look around your community for more cost-effective solutions. Check with the Department of Health and Human Services to find out about government programs that will ensure you get the mental health help you need. Alternatively, colleges and universities with mental health education programs offer free or discounted services to give students practical experience. These resources can help you keep up with every aspect of your recovery long after you leave a treatment center.
When you’re ready to begin your road to recovery, call us at 833-364-0736. Our counselors are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions. We can help you find the best treatment program for your situation.