What Should You Expect After Leaving Rehab
Understanding the challenges that you may face once you have left rehab is an important aspect of your recovery journey. Whilst leaving rehab is a huge accomplishment, it’s also only the beginning of a new journey where your resilience and commitment will be tested!
In this blog, we'll breakdown what you should expect along this journey, what challenges you're likely to face, and how you can put the right building blocks in place to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety.
Re-adjusting to normal life after a period of intensive and secluded support can be challenging. The transition back to 'real life' may entail the resumption of key life responsibilities, social pressures, and other stresses that brought about the addiction in the first place. It's crucial to recognise these stresses and to be aware that your resilience and commitment to sobriety will be challenged!
However, New Leaf Recovery is here to help support you along this journey. We're firm believers that your journey to recovery does not end after you leave our rehabilitation clinic. As well as offering bespoke aftercare programmes, we also have extensive knowledge in the kinds of challenges that people leaving rehab face. Below, we'll list some of the most common experiences
What You Should Expect After Leaving Rehab:
1) Temptation & Cravings
One of the earliest challenges after leaving rehab is dealing with temptations and cravings. Your environment outside of rehab is likely to bring reminders of old habits, routines, and even people that may tempt you. Understanding that these urges are normal and often temporary can help you manage them more effectively.
To overcome cravings:
- Stay connected with a support system. Family, friends, and recovery groups can offer guidance and encouragement during challenging times.
- Use coping strategies from rehab. Mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and journaling can help reduce the intensity of cravings.
- Enroll in New Leaf’s aftercare programme. Our aftercare programme provides continued support through regular group therapy sessions, counseling, and 1:1 check-ins, giving you a place to discuss your progress and challenges.
2) Night Sweats & Mood Swings
During the initial few weeks after rehab, some individuals may experience night sweats, nightmares, and mood swings as their bodies adjust to the absence of substances. These physical and emotional symptoms are common as your system rebalances. Whilst these are typically only temporary, they may cause some degree of discomfort.
To help you cope:
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Limiting caffeine, doing light stretching, and practicing calming activities before bed can help you improve sleep quality.
- Seek support when needed. Talking to others who have been through similar experiences can make these challenges feel less overwhelming. Learn more about our aftercare programme.
- Exercise and eat well. Healthy habits help regulate your body’s natural rhythms, making it easier to adjust to normal routines.
3) Returning to Life Responsibilities
Resuming daily responsibilities is another important part of post-rehab life. Many people need to rebuild relationships, return to work, or manage other family responsibilities that may have been neglected during addiction.
Approaching this gradually can make it more manageable:
- Prioritise and set boundaries. Take small steps to reintegrate into your responsibilities. This might mean setting realistic goals for returning to work or asking for support from loved ones.
- Build trust with family and friends. Addiction can strain relationships, but being open and honest with loved ones about your journey helps rebuild connections and restore trust.
- Practice self-compassion. Give yourself credit for each step forward. Recognise that progress in relationships and responsibilities is a journey, not a destination.
4) Rebuilding Relationships
Relationships play a significant role in recovery, and reconnecting with loved ones can be rewarding, though it may also be challenging. Family members and friends who have been affected by your addiction may need time to adjust to the new you.
To foster healthy relationships:
- Practice patience. It takes time for loved ones to see changes in your behavior and trust you again. Show them your commitment through consistent actions.
- Use communication skills learned in rehab. Honest and open communication will show others that you are ready to make amends and rebuild positive relationships.
- Utilise New Leaf's family therapy. Our aftercare programmes offer family therapy sessions, giving you and your family a safe space to work through issues and develop a new understanding.
5) Making Use of New Leaf’s Aftercare Programme
The transition from rehab to normal life is smoother when you have ongoing support. New Leaf Recovery’s aftercare programme offers resources designed to help you stay committed to sobriety, no matter the challenges you face. The programme includes:
- Weekly support group meetings. Engaging with peers who share similar experiences can help you feel less isolated and provide motivation.
- One-on-one sessions with counselors. These sessions offer personal support, allowing you to discuss any unique challenges you may be facing.
- Continued access to therapy. Ongoing therapy helps reinforce healthy coping strategies and addresses any emerging mental health concerns.
Aftercare programmes have been shown to significantly reduce relapse rates, making it a key component of a successful recovery journey.
6) Coping with Setbacks
Recovery is not always linear process, and setbacks, including relapse, can happen. Remember, a relapse does not mark the end of your recovery; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Seeking help after a setback shows strength and resilience, not failure.
Here are a few helpful reminders to help you avoid relapse:
- Recognise triggers. Identify situations, people, or places that may put you at risk and develop plans to manage or avoid them.
- Reflect on what led to the setback. Understanding the circumstances that caused the relapse can provide insights for avoiding similar situations in the future.
- Reach out for support immediately. The sooner you seek support after a setback, the quicker you can get back on track with your recovery.
7) Commitment to Personal Growth and Self-Care
Life after rehab is an opportunity to explore personal growth and focus on self-care practices that may have been neglected. This phase is about creating a fulfilling life beyond addiction.
To nurture personal growth:
- Set goals. Establishing short- and long-term goals in areas like work, hobbies, and personal development gives you purpose and keeps you focused.
- Practice mindfulness. Techniques like meditation and mindfulness can improve self-awareness and emotional regulation, making it easier to navigate cravings and emotional challenges.
- Celebrate milestones. Whether it’s a month or a year of sobriety, acknowledge your achievements. Recognising progress reinforces your commitment to recovery.
8) Maintaining Recovery; Never Give Up
Recovery is a journey that requires perseverance. No matter how hard it gets, remember that every day sober is a step toward a healthier, happier future. The path may be challenging, but it’s also filled with growth, self-discovery, and hope.
Some key takeaways to keep you motivated:
- Remind yourself of your progress. Reflect on the distance you’ve traveled from the first day of rehab, and use this as a reminder of your strength.
- Believe in yourself. Even on difficult days, remember that change is possible and that you have the power to shape your future.
- Lean on New Leaf’s support. Our team is dedicated to helping you through every stage of your journey. Whether you need a listening ear or an extra push, we’re here for you.
Seek Support with New Leaf Today
Leaving rehab is an important milestone, and while there will be challenges, you don’t have to face them alone. Remember, each challenge you overcome reinforces your resilience! With New Leaf’s aftercare programme, a solid support system, and a commitment to personal growth, you can confidently embark on the path to long-lasting sobriety.
Alternatively, if you or a loved one might be in need of rehabilitative therapy, get in touch with us today and learn about the variety of treatment options that are available. Remember: recovery is always possible.