What to Expect When You Return Home from Detox or Rehab

For most people, after they have successfully completed detox, they will return home and begin their new life drug and alcohol free. Others may decide to enter a rehab treatment program or another alte
ative program before they return home to help increase their self confidence so that they will be more successful in their sobriety later.

You Need A Plan

Returning home can be a challenge and difficult for many individuals especially if they are struggling with the thought of relapse and experiencing the same stimulus that created or led to their alcohol or drug addiction. Setting a plan to keep you sober and that will keep you on track and help you deal with any slips, as well as establish goals for you to achieve are excellent tools for success.

Get Active in a Program

Getting involved and becoming active in a program, such as a 12 step program or other group therapy program after detox may allow the support that you need to keep you alcohol and drug free. The important thing is if your program includes therapy, you need to stick to the program and follow through. You may become discouraged at times, but staying on track and sticking to the plan are the best resources for your future.

Take up a New Hobby or Exercise

Some individuals find that learning a new hobby or activity to increase exercise gives them the encouragement they need to be successful in sobriety. Exercising regularly through walking, jogging or going to the gym are all effective methods of staying in shape. Playing golf, tennis, or any other sport that allows you to be active will also keep your mind active and decrease the chances of relapse. Do not forget the value of good nutrition. Eating healthy is an important part to recovery.

Make New Friends

If you are returning home to family life after detox or rehab, often times there are certain expectations. It is not uncommon to feel emotional and to withdraw at first, but you will readjust. Part of that readjustment will be to make new friends. Unfortunately most of your old friends were most likely drinking or drug buddies. Making new friends that do not participate in alcohol or drug activities will help you to leave the old way of life behind and to move forward to your new life that does not include substance abuse.

Accept Responsibility

Some individuals have to face the reality of the pain and stress their alcohol and drug abuse caused to relationships with family, friends and coworkers. You may have to deal with their feelings when you return and while most will be willing to forgive, there may be a large number who are not. Unfortunately, you cannot help how they feel and the damage may be done. Try, though it may be hard to not become discouraged. They are entitled to their feelings and you may have to accept that the relationship is permanently broken, but that does not mean that you have to return to drug and alcohol abuse.