Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is an essential first step for recovery. By doing this, you’ve done something essential; admitting you are powerless over your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable. You know you need help, and you’re ready to accept it. But once you’ve finished detox, what’s next? How can you stay on the path to remaining clean and sober?
1. Explore Your Treatment Options
Getting through detox is quite a feat in itself. Many people, unfortunately, go through the pain and discomfort only to end up back where they were before. That’s not what anyone wants, but it’s what addiction will tell you to do.
Most people who go to detox will need to go to an inpatient or outpatient treatment program where they learn about themselves, their addiction and the types of situations that trigger them to use.
Inpatient treatment is considered to be the “gold standard” of care because it gives you both time and space to grow and change. Outpatient treatment is also a good way to learn more about yourself and addiction if you are unable to go away for a few months. Whichever you choose, you’re committing to yourself and your recovery. Treatment may seem like a small step but it’s huge, and it’s something to be proud of. It will help you start a new way of life.
2. Plan for Life After Treatment
Once you’ve completed a treatment program, you’re ready to return to the “outside world.” Some people choose to live in sober housing while they get back on their feet again. After all, returning to work or looking for new job can be stressful. You will probably also be involved in therapy or aftercare.
Sober housing is a great way to live in an understanding environment where people want the same things that you want. Most people live in sober housing because they want to give themselves a chance at their new way of life. It’s a great way to transition back to your home situation while learning to cope with the stresses of life.
3. Always Go to 12-Step Meetings
Even if you don’t decide to go to sober housing, 12-step meetings are essential to your continued growth and sobriety. A 12-step meeting should be on your to-do list no matter what other plans you have in recovery, and working a recovery program is a part of your new way of life. You can only keep what you have by staying clean and sober, after all!
Get a sponsor and stay in touch with them on a daily basis. Make new friends and explore further meetings if the ones you go to don’t seem “enough.” There are hundreds of 12-step meetings in every state. So if you don’t like the “vibe” at one group, make an effort to get to another group, even if it’s a little farther away.
Finally, make sure you read the 12-step literature your friends or sponsor recommend. These can help keep you “grounded” and can serve as a foundation of your recovery.
Do You Need Help?
Are you struggling with alcohol or drugs? Do you want to quit using but you’re having trouble doing it on your own? We can help you take that first step toward recovery. Give us a 100% confidential call to learn more about our detox center. We can help you plan your first steps. Call us at 1-800-970-8774 to learn more.
