According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.7 million Americans (aged 12 and older) suffered from substance use disorders in 2017 and 8.5 million of these Americans also suffered from a mental health disorder.
The life of an addict isn’t an easy one. It can be especially difficult if you’ve just been released from a treatment center and are trying to relearn basic life skills, keep your mental health in check, and stay sober all at the same time.
Check out these five steps to rebuilding your life after being released from a substance abuse treatment center.
1. Keep up with outpatient care
Regardless of what treatment center you completed your rehabilitation at, ensuring that you continue to receive outpatient rehab in NJ can be key to rebuilding your life after rehab. The intensive outpatient program at BlueCrest Recovery Center in New Jersey meets one-to-two times per week and helps you adjust to life after completing your intensive outpatient program (IOP) while helping maintain your substance abuse treatment plan. To qualify for this group, you must adhere to a “12-step network”, have a support system (such as family members or close friends), attend meetings, and get a sponsor for the 12-step program.
The caring staff here offers many outpatient services to meet your unique needs. For example, they can help you find sober housing, develop a treatment plan for any mental health disorder you may have, and help you with the trying process of adjusting to a sober life by teaching you things such as life skills, physical therapy, or a holistic approach. If you should relapse and require inpatient adult rehabilitation services again, they are here to help you with that as well.
Note: due to COVID-19, BlueCrest now offers teletherapy for drug addiction so you can get help in the comfort of home when you need it.
2. Get your finances in check
Let’s be honest — substance abuse isn’t cheap. So, it’s likely your good credit took a major hit. Luckily, by checking out credit repair reviews you can find credit repair companies that can help you improve your credit score. This handy service compares legitimate companies that provide credit repair services such as Credit Saint, Sky Blue Credit, Lexington Law, and many more. They also explain how credit repair companies work so that you can make up your own mind about the best credit repair company for your individual needs.
This service allows for your to find credit repair companies that will do the things that you need such as calling credit bureaus and creditors to try to get negative items on your credit report removed, provide the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau, challenge late payments, challenge identity thefts, and they will review all items on your credit report with you. Find the best company for you to get yourself good credit again!
3. Take it slow
Don’t expect life to be back to normal immediately. According to an article published in PsychCentral, addiction experts don’t recommend taking on too many tasks or responsibilities too soon. Instead, the article recommends making realistic but flexible goals and taking your time (one-to-two weeks) before heading back to work. Make sure your recovery plan is set, you have a good support system and plan for your new routine.
4. Acknowledge that you’re flawed and forgive yourself
Addiction can take time to learn to manage. Prepare for the possibility of relapse as, according to PsychCentral, relapses are likely to happen. However, by preparing yourself by knowing the warning signs and being ready to get help when you need it, you can work to prevent it. It’s important that you acknowledge that you’ve made mistakes, forgive yourself, and move forward (there’s no changing the past, anyway).
5. Take care of yourself
PsychCentral also notes how things like proper sleep, good nutrition, and exercise can all help you avoid feeling run down (which can prevent a relapse). Try to get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and two strength-training sessions in every week while trying to move more than you sit, as recommended by the CDC. The CDC also recommends eating more fruits and vegetables to prevent disease, control your weight, and to get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Also, consider individual therapy sessions outside of your addiction meetings to ensure you’re staying on top of your mental health.