After completing an initial rehabilitation program, many individuals feel uneasy moving forward. This can be due to a lack of trust in themselves or a lack of emotional support from loved ones. Often, people do not have a healthy environment to return to and they are worried about facing problematic triggers. Continuing care in addiction treatment with 12 South Recovery can be beneficial for those who need support while moving forward in recovery. A continuous helping hand can provide the resources needed for a safe and comfortable transition.
Vulnerabilities Related to Early Recovery
When someone first considers entering treatment, they may feel hesitant to commit because of anxiety and feelings of self-doubt. Starting treatment is a big decision, and those feelings are natural. However, eventually, many people realize that choosing treatment is an act of self-love and caring. Change can feel scary, but choosing what’s healthy for oneself is never a bad decision. This is especially true when the decision involves leaving behind negative influences and behaviors in one’s life.
Going into treatment can sometimes be perceived as temporarily putting life on hold and then returning to that life. While this is partially accurate, the truth is that recovery requires people to make significant life changes and discard many aspects of their previous lives. These changes are made in order to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol in the long run. Yet, some individuals may not feel ready to make such changes. Therefore, early recovery can be a vulnerable time.
Changes one may need to make in early recovery can include:
- Discontinuing prescription drugs, illicit substances, and alcoholic beverage consumption
- Finding new employment
- Moving to a new city
- Changing schools
- Removing unhealthy relationships
- Discontinuing bad habits
- Avoiding bar scenes, clubs, and house parties
Making Changes in Early Recovery
While making changes may require major sacrifices, finding new opportunities and adopting healthy habits can put a positive spin on long-term sobriety. As they say, “Out with the old and in with the new.” Still, taking action in early recovery can be extremely weighing on some individuals.
One thing that can make it easier to initiate changes is to create a daily routine. A steady schedule of activities can normalize this stage and make the adjustment phase easier over time. When a person has something steady to rely on (their routine), they can more easily make any changes that may be necessary.
Helpful strategies for navigating the early recovery phase may include:
- Practicing a structured routine
- Eating nutritious foods
- Getting an adequate amount of rest
- Journaling feelings
- Participating in sober activities
- Making connections with likeminded individuals
- Spending time with close family and friends for support
Unfortunately, the truth is that many individuals relapse within the first year of recovery. When a relapse occurs, immediately returning to a healthy routine can be one way to get back on track quickly. Although relapses are quite common, staying productive and forgiving oneself are important steps in moving forward. Confiding in peers, specialists, and family members can help one get back on their feet during such a sensitive time.
The Benefits of Continuing Care With a Recovery Coach
Early recovery is a great time to enlist additional support. One such resource is a recovery coach. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a peer recovery coach is effective in helping people maintain sobriety.
Peer recovery coaches can walk individuals through the recovery process and provide non-clinical support. These coaches guide individuals through their challenges in recovery. They may offer various services, tailored to each individual’s needs. Support services may include:
- Emotional support: Offering concern and empathy
- Informational services: Being a source of referrals, professional connections, and community resources
- Instrumental assistance: Providing leads for employment and housing
- Affiliation support: Connecting a person to activities, community support, and events
Proven Benefits of Continuing Care
Another resource to turn to can be continuing care programs offered at addiction treatment facilities. According to the journal Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, continuing care, also referred to as aftercare services or step-down care, is generally considered a major component of treatment. Research has found that continuing care is a highly effective treatment approach for individuals facing challenges with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Continuing care is best suited for individuals with severe cases of SUD. For those people, continuing care can help prevent relapses that would require further treatment. Choosing to move forward with continuing care can help an individual slow down and acknowledge their achievements. It is important to celebrate milestones while striving for ongoing sobriety. Aftercare specialists can inspire individuals to keep pushing forward by effectively responding to triggers and living a sobriety-friendly lifestyle.
Continuing Care With 12 South Recovery
Taking the first step toward long-term recovery can be extremely rewarding. When the rehabilitation program is completed, this does not mean it is the end. An individual may find benefit through pursuing continuing care services in addiction treatment. Many aspects of continuing care can help guide an individual through any uneasy phases of recovery. Continuing care services at 12 South Recovery include these benefits:
- Outpatient treatment programs: These programs provide flexibility to attend therapy while receiving outside medical support.
- Therapeutic support groups: Our support groups offer a safe environment for confiding in like-minded individuals.
- Individual counseling sessions: These sessions provide a venue for discussing one’s personal challenges.
- Strategies for navigating triggers: Through continuing care services, clients can learn strategies to appropriately respond to triggers.
- Embracing the holistic lifestyle: These services include holistic options that address physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
Everyone deserves to recover and find respite from SUD and co-occurring conditions. Continuing care with our facility can serve as a safety net by equipping individuals with effective coping strategies to empower lifelong sobriety.
As a licensed and Joint Commission-accredited mental health treatment center, 12 South Recovery is a leader in Orange County mental health treatment. We know that an estimated eight percent of the U.S. population struggles with drug addiction and abuse and it can be hard to quit without help. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious medical problem, interfering with the health, mental health, and happiness of millions of Americans. Our goal is to provide you with compassionate care during your recovery, with evidence-based treatment and the best medical care. Our continuing care program encompasses a full range of services and support that extend beyond the initial treatment phase. If you or a loved one need continuing support, call (888) 830-8374.
