So you’ve spent 30 days in residential treatment and you’re starting to experience the benefits of health and wholeness. It probably feels really good! At the same time, you’re well aware that the journey is just beginning. Remaining committed and intentional in your next steps is going to be key to your recovery success.
What does that mean in practical terms? We asked Rebecca McCracken, a therapist at Stepworks of Nicholasville, to share a few of her recommended next steps for people fresh out of recovery. Here’s what she had to say.
#1 - Continue to work on your recovery
You might be thinking, “I went to treatment, so I don’t need to do anything else.” This is a common mistake that can be avoided. If you want to continue to receive the benefits and gifts of living a life in recovery, you have to continue to put in work towards your recovery. But don’t panic—this is work that you were taught and shown how to do while in treatment. Continue reading for a refresher on what that work might look like.
#2 - Get a support system
At Stepworks of Nicholasville, we call the support system your “tribe.” In recovery, you will need to surround yourself with people who have been where you have been and let them show you how to live a successful life in recovery. We know that living a life in active addiction was lonely, but you don’t have to be alone anymore! In fact, you can’t recover alone. And there are many people out there willing to be part of your support system, or tribe.
#3 - Find your meaning or purpose
This may look different for different people, but ultimately, you need to find something that gives your life meaning and purpose. This could be a job, volunteer work, a hobby or interest, or just being able to show up and be present for your loved ones. This is important so that you are able to continue to live a structured life, but it also helps in building and strengthening your support system.
#4 - Be patient with skeptical loved ones
Don’t be surprised if your loved ones show suspicions that you’ve returned to drug or alcohol use after you have completed treatment. This is pretty common, and it’s easy to react with anger when you know that you are still in recovery and you’re doing all the right things.
If this happens to you, try to put yourself in their shoes. Think about how long you were in a state of active addiction compared to how long you have been in recovery. It will be important for you to let your loved ones know that you understand why they may be doubting you. Reassure them that you’re doing the best you can to be better than you were, so that you can continue to be on the road to recovery. If you’re consistent in your recovery, you’ll gradually regain the trust of your loved ones.
#5 - Get involved in service
Once you have some time in recovery under your belt and you have built a solid foundation for yourself, it’s your turn to reach out and help those who are still struggling with active addiction. This not only helps them, it helps you too!
Your 30 days at Stepworks isn’t the end of your treatment, it’s just the beginning. We give you tools and resources that will help you thrive after you leave our program.
One of those tools is our Recovering(me) app, available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Download the free app today to have support in the palm of your hand!
